Production-block:
B-17G-10-VE: 42-39958 to 42-40057
Manufacturer:
Lockheed/Vega
- Bomb Group:
- 91st Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 324th Bomb Squadron
- RCL: DF-K
MACR: 3224 / KSU/ME/KU: 1263
Missions: 15
History of
B-17 42-39967 / Mary Kay
Delivered Long Beach 21/10/43; Assigned 324BS/91BG [DF-K] Bassingbourn 25/1/44; 15m Missing in Action Oberpffaffafenhofen 18/3/44 with Harry Theophilos, Co-pilot: John DeLavore, Navigator: John Herr (chute failed), never found in lake,Tail gunner: Chas Jochmann (4 Killed in Action); Bombardier: Joe Pletta, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Joachim Vizinho, Radio Operator: Jim Norris, Ball turret gunner: Elden Newman, Waist gunner: Marion Porter, Waist gunner: Chas Perry (6 Prisoner of War); flak hit causing ship to drop out of formation, enemy aircraft then struck, crashed on shore of Lake Constance, near Bregenz, Switz; Missing Air Crew Report 3224. MARY KAY.
Last updated: 27. March 2021
B-17 42-39967 / Mary Kay Details
Aircraft B-17G, 42-39967, had been lagging behind for some time and at 1430 hours, 48°00 N – 08°50 E, 20700 feet, it left the formation, in no apparent trouble and under control. Subject aircraft last observed headed south.
B-17 42-39967 / Mary Kay Crew
Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|
P | 1LT | Harry L. Theophilos | KIA | - |
CP | 2LT | John De Lavore | KIA | - |
NAV | 2LT | John G. Herr | KIA | - |
BOMB | 1LT | Joseph H. Pletta | POW | - |
ENG/TT | T/SGT | Joachim P. Vizinho | POW | - |
RO | T/SGT | James L. Norris | POW | - |
BT | S/SGT | Elden Newman | POW | - |
WG | S/SGT | Marion A. Porter | POW | - |
WG | S/SGT | Charles W. Perry | POW | - |
TG | S/SGT | Charles L. Jochman | KIA | - |
21. February 2023 access_time 10:32
Bregenz is in Austria and not in Switzerland.
04. September 2024 access_time 20:25
Mary Kay lost 2 right engines leaving the target, believed to be heading for Switzerland. Jochman was hit by 20mm and bleeding badly, was parachuted out, died soon after. I have an eyewitness account, states Herr bailed out just before crash. A/C being chased by 109s, badly damaged. Herr jumped too low, chute did not open, hit ground. Pilot and copilot unable to leave ship. Folks on ground believed pilots were avoiding houses. Survivors sent to stalag luft III until end of war.