B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-32056

History of
B-17 42-32056

Delivered Cheyenne 20/1/44; MacDill 6/2/44; Morrison 9/3/44; Assigned 815BS/483BG Tortorella 13/3/44; transferred 416BS/99BG Tortorella 31/3/44; Missing in Action {1m} Steyr 2/4/44 with Jim Klansnic, Co-pilot: George Parker, Navigator: Dudley Haddock, Bombardier: Dick Muto, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Joe Gonzales, Radio Operator: Ed Bilinsky, Ball turret gunner: Bob Englander, Waist gunner: Chester McPherson, Waist gunner: Frank Maczarny,Tail gunner: Ernie Moncolovic; enemy aircraft set wing afire, five chutes seen, crashed Steyr, Aus; Missing Air Crew Report 3888.

Last updated: 24. August 2020

B-17 42-32056 Details

Statements from MACR 3888

Aircraft number 42-32056 was attacked by enemy aircraft using cannon fire and attacking from rear. It is believed the aircraft received a hit from the enemy aircraft causing a fire in number one engine. The aircraft dropped back in the formation but held altitude, it appeared to be caught in a slip-stream and lost control momentarily. I saw the aircraft regain control and the crew bail out. I last sighted the aircraft as it fell of to the left.

S/Sgt. William H. Cox, Jr.

When I first sighted 42-32056 there was a fire in the left wing near the number one engine. The aircraft pulled out of the formation, dropping to the left, a few seconds later the entire left wing was in flames. The crew started to bail out as soon as the aircraft left the formation. Six chutes were observed. I did not see the aircraft crash, it was last sighted entering a cloud bank.

S/Sgt. Robert D. Coon

B-17 42-32056 Crew