B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-3144

History of
B-17 42-3144

Delivered Cheyenne 24/2/43; Salina 20/3/43; Assigned 2BG Navarin 4/43; Chateau-du-Rhumel 27/4/43; Ain M’Lila 17/6/43; Massicault 31/7/43; {26m} transferred 32BS/301BG Oudna 14/11/43; Cerignola 7/12/43; Lucera 1/2/44; Missing in Action {40m} Steyr, Aus. 2/4/44 with Calvin Miller, Co-pilot: Joshua Adame, Navigator: Belot, Bombardier: Reese, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Dora, Radio Operator: Poe, Ball turret gunner: Nicholson, Waist gunner: Taylor, Waist gunner: Pochmursky,Tail gunner: Tiefenbrun (10 Killed in Action); enemy aircraft, crashed Kleinrifling, Austria. Missing Air Crew Report 4197.

Last updated: 1. October 2023

B-17 42-3144 Details

Eyewitness Statements to the loss of B-17 #42-3144

Shortly after reaching the Yugoslav coast it was apparent that airplane #144, which at the time was flying spare to the #3 squadron, was having trouble keeping up with the formation. Once it was seen to drop about 1/2 mile to rear of formation. When group was hit by fighters at approximately 1030, #144 was straggling and had several passes made at 6 o’clock. From about 1030 to 1200 #144 was seen to drop back 5 or 6 times and element ahead was forced to drop back to gave cover to #144. On bomb run #144 behind at the time and 8 ME 109s made a pass from 6 o’clock. #144 was seen to nose up and then go into tight spin with pieces breaking from left wing. Ship was followed to approximately 15000 feet where it flattened spin out slightly but then it was lost to sight. Exact location of the plane when last seen are 48° North 14°35 min East. I don’t believe the crew had a chance for a forced landing and the crew’s chances of survival are very slim. It is very doubtful that any chutes came out of the plane.

2Lt. H. D. Evans
352nd Bomb Squadron

Airplane #144’s #1 engine was smoking and dropped back of formation. Ten (10) enemy fighters attacked from 5, 6 and 7 o’clock. The plane started down after the third fighter had completed his attack. Apparently the men at controls tried to straighten the plane out of its dive. When the ship snapped back to an almost level position it broke in two. Several men fell out, but no chutes were observed opening, and it is doubtful if any of the crew survived.

S/Sgt. John E. P. Mullally
Tail Gunner A/C 7446
419th Bomb Squadron

Source: MACR 4197

B-17 42-3144 Crew