Source:
www.fold3.com
| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Boeing |
| Production-Block: | , B-17G-15-BO: 42-31332 to 42-31431 |
| Operational History | |
|---|---|
| Bomb Group: | , 381st Bomb Group |
| Bomb Squadron: | , 533rd Bomb Squadron |
| RCL: | VP-R |
| MACR: | 1879 |
| Fate: |
, Lost by enemy aircraft (11 January 1944) |
History of
B-17 42-31417 / Big Time Operator II aka Patches
Delivered Cheyenne 1/11/43; Gr Island 9/11/43; Nashville 11/11/43; Assigned 533BS/381BG [VP-R] Ridgewell 11/12/43 BIG TIME OPERATOR II; Missing in Action 7m Oschersleben 11/1/44 with Ernie Klein, Co-pilot: Paul Chelf, Bombardier: Louis Gill, Radio Operator: Melvin Soderstrom, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Howard Pope, Waist gunner: Ed Schuitema, Waist gunner: John Miskin,Tail gunner: John Bunworth (Prisoner of War), Navigator: Jim Counce, Ball turret gunner: Stan Wright (2 Killed in Action); enemy aircraft, on return crashed N of Hildesheim, Ger; Missing Air Crew Report 1879. PATCHES.
Information may include corrections and additions based on Jing’s research.
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This page was last updated on 22 September 2017
24. July 2019 access_time 17:59
If it is of any interest , I recently acquired a framed photograph of B-17 “Patches” with 11 Crew Members posing for the camera in front of the nose. It is black & white but very clear. Was it the last photo taken before its unfortunate end in January 1944 ??? Please contact if interested.
24. July 2019 access_time 21:15
Hello Neil,
I have sent you an email.
18. December 2023 access_time 4:58
My father was Paul Chelf. I am interested if this photo is still available
Thank you Karol
24. January 2024 access_time 4:18
I would like a copy of the picture if still available. Thank you.