| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Boeing |
| Production-Block: | , B-17G-90-BO 43-38474 to 43-38673 |
| Delievered: | Cheyenne |
| Operational History | |
|---|---|
| Bomb Group: | , 303rd Bomb Group |
| Bomb Squadron: | , 358th Bomb Squadron |
| RCL: | VK-G |
| MACR: | 11758 |
| Fate: |
, Lost by flak/aa-fire (22 January 1945) |
History of
B-17 43-38530
Delivered Cheyenne 14/8/44; Hunter 23/5/44; Grenier 4/9/44; Assigned 358BS/303BG [VK-G] Molesworth 28/10/44; Missing in Action Sterkrade 22/1/45 with Bill Woodson, Russell Finn, Ray Cooper, Vic Gramiak, R.L. Burnette, Lloyd Riley, Pete Farrell (7 Killed in Action); Harry Lanigan, Dick Brown (2 Killed in Action); flak, crashed Sterkrade, Ger; Missing Air Crew Report 11758.
Information may include corrections and additions based on Jing’s research.
B-17 43-38530 Details
Eyewitness Statements
Intense and extremely accurate anti-aircraft gunfire.
Aircraft received a direct hit in #2 engine from anti-aircraft gunfire. The left wing broke off and the aircraft went down with left side burning. Several reports that aircraft then exploded in the air.
Two to three parachutes are reported to have been seen just about time aircraft is said to have exploded, as if some of crew had been blown out.
Other remarks:
There is a considerable confusion as to what happened because two other aircraft in formation got into serious trouble about the same time. These other aircraft returned to friendly territory safely. Mane of the crews reported what happened, but it is evident they thought they saw one aircraft when actually they saw another. It seems certain, however, that this aircraft had its left wing shot off by anti-aircraft gunfire.
Source: MACR 11758
B-17 43-38530 Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 1LT | William H. Woodson | KIA | - |
| CP | F/O | Harold A. Lanigan | POW | - |
| NAV | F/O | Russell C. Finn | KIA | - |
| ENG/TT | T/SGT | Richard A. Brown | KIA | - |
| RO | T/SGT | Victor J. Gramiak | KIA | - |
| BT | S/SGT | R. L. Burnette | KIA | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Lloyd S. Riley | KIA | - |
| TG | SGT | Peter J. Farrell | KIA | - |
| TOG | T/SGT | Ray R. Cooper | POW | - |
This page was last updated on 22 January 2026
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