| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Lockheed/Vega |
| Production-Block: | , B-17G-60-VE: 44-8301 to 44-8400 |
| Operational History | |
|---|---|
| Bomb Group: | , 34th Bomb Group |
| Bomb Squadron: | , 7th Bomb Squadron |
| Fate: |
, Returned to the USA (07 June 1945) |
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History of
B-17 44-8309 / Ol’ Buddy
Delivered Lincoln 8/8/44; Grenier 18/8/44; Assigned 7BS/34BG Mendlesham 20/8/44; Returned to the USA Bradley 7/6/45; Sth Plains 12/6/45; Reconstruction Finance Corporation (sold for scrap metal in USA) Kingman 26/11/45. OL’ BUDDY.
Information may include corrections and additions based on Jing’s research.
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This page was last updated on 02 March 2018
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15. August 2023 access_time 21:24
I have a pic of this a/c in my father’s album. What puzzles me is that the squadron nose band is a dark color (b&w photo) which would seem to indicate either the 18th or 391st sqdn. My father was in the 7th sqdn however.
15. August 2023 access_time 22:44
Hello,
can you send me a copy of the picture with email please?
My email: info@b17flyingfortress.de
Cheers
Jing
07. September 2023 access_time 4:26
LDAnderson, Do I understand correctly that your father flew on 44-8309 “Ol Buddy”? I ask because my grandfather flew at least some of his missions in this plane. I have a picture of him with his crew as well. I am trying to gather information on his service with limited luck. If this is the case I would love to get in touch.
09. September 2023 access_time 16:59
Join my group on Facebook guys! 34th BG (H)
20. February 2024 access_time 2:38
Could you email this picture? My Uncle John J Russell was killed in action on this plane on Jan 14, 1945. Just wondering if he might be in your picture.
22. February 2025 access_time 17:15
1Lt. John J. Russell was listed as navigator on a B-17G that crashed on January 14, 1945. That day was the first mission that the crew flew in #44-8263. Previous missions had been flown in #44-8309 Ol’Buddy, but on the 13th, they had an engine failure and were assigned a different aircraft on the 14th. I’m doing research for a Stories Behind the Stars article on the pilot, 1Lt. Leslie C. Carter. You might find an article on Fold3.com on Lt. Russell.
02. July 2025 access_time 0:36
I just found this page and my grandfather was the bombardier on Ol’ Buddy. I do have the picture I believe you are all referring too as well as my grandpas scrapbook with flight logs, pictures, etc….
02. July 2025 access_time 0:38
My grandfather was the bombardier on Ol’ Buddy and left me his scrapbook from the war. It has a lot of information on the plane as well as flight logs from some of the missions.
22. July 2026 access_time 21:57
My grandfather was the tail gunner on the Ol’ Buddy for 19 missions. He was shot down in a borrowed plane on his 20th mission. Would love any background on the crew and any photos. Somehow not many of his things such as his bomber jacket etc made it back after he was a POW in Germany. He was the sole survivor. Flying second half 1944 to January 1945.