Source:
www.fold3.com
| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Lockheed/Vega |
| Production-Block: | , B-17G-10-VE: 42-39958 to 42-40057 |
| Operational History | |
|---|---|
| Bomb Group: | , 91st Bomb Group |
| Bomb Squadron: | , 324th Bomb Squadron |
| RCL | DF-K |
| MACR | 3224 |
| KSU/ME/KU: | 1263 |
| Fate: |
, Lost by enemy aircraft (18 March 1944) |
| 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.
Information may include corrections and additions based on Jing’s research.
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 | - |
This page was last updated on 27 March 2021
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.
30. January 2026 access_time 2:38
I think I have a photo of this plane how can I upload it?
30. January 2026 access_time 14:27
Hello Ellen,
can you send me the picture via email please?
My email: info@b17flyingfortress.de
Thanks
Jing