Production-block:
B-17F-30-DL: 42-3149 to 42-3188
Manufacturer:
Douglas
- Bomb Group:
- 351st Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 511th Bomb Squadron
- RCL: DS-R
MACR: 15581
History of
B-17 42-3173 / Spare Ball
Delivered Cheyenne 18/3/43; Presque Is 8/4/43; Assigned 511BS/351BG [DS-R] Polebrook 19/4/43; Missing in Action 1m Wilhelmshaven 15/5/43 with Joe Meli, Co-pilot: Bob Cooper, Navigator: Jack Howell, Bombardier: Howard Lewis, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Dewey Bishop, Radio Operator: Melvin Hugo, Ball turret gunner: Louis Hilscher, Waist gunner: Stanford Henry, Waist gunner: Chas Summers,Tail gunner: Bern Guenzig (10 Killed in Action); flak damage and attack by Bf 109G from above, 5/6 chutes were seen, then ditched North Sea about 40 miles NE of Borkum, Ger. Missing Air Crew Report 15581. SPARE BALL.
Last updated: 12. July 2017
03. August 2018 access_time 2:25
My great uncle was on that plane. Does anyone have a lead on any photos or nose art?
30. April 2024 access_time 7:03
does anyone have any pictures of the crew infront of the bomber. I would loved to get my hands on one. my great great uncle was Lt. Robert P. Cooper. I was named after him and would love a few pictures of him