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Source:
www.306bg.us
Production-block:
B-17F-10-BO: 41-24440 to 41-24489
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 306th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 368th Bomb Squadron
MACR: 15534 / KSU/ME/KU: 122/43
History of
B-17 41-24465 / Montana Power
Assigned 368BS/306BG [BO- ] Westover 17/8/42; Thurleigh 16/10/42; Missing in Action to the ERLA works in Antwerp 5 April 1943 with Pilot Robert W. Seelos (POW). Co-pilot: Alexander Kramarinko (Evaded – POW); Navigator: William W. Saunders (POW); Ball turret gunner: William H. Keskey (Evaded – POW); Left Waist gunner: William E. Baker (Evaded – POW); Right Waist gunner: Raymond E. Walls (Evaded); Tail gunner: Roland Magee (POW); Bombardier: James E. Murray (KIA); Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Stanley P. Stemkoski (KIA); Radio Operator: Fred R. Hampton (KIA). Hit by Flak and shot down by Oblt Otto Stammberger (4/JG26), lost #1 engine and unable to feather, crashed in the Heikant hamlet, 4km South West of Kalmthout, North of Antwerp, Belgium. Missing Air Crew Report 15534. MONTANA POWER.
Last updated: 5. April 2021
B-17 41-24465 / Montana Power Details
The plane was seen to turn back toward enemy territory near Westkapelle, on Walcheren Island, with two engines smoking. No parachutes were reported and no search was made. Sgt. Keskey is reported by Sgt. Walls to have bailed safely.
Commentary Report of (German) Commander
On 05 April 1943 at 1524 hours went of the alarm in Antwerpen. The flak noticed a formation which was in a distance of 20km.
Witness report and report of battery personnel agree, that they saw one aircraft on fire and that the aircraft lost altitude. It became detached from the formation. The witness saw the aircraft turn to direction of Capellen and crash. 3 men of the crew bail out. The aircraft crashed north northeast of Capellen near Capellen meadow.
Source: MACR 15534
B-17 41-24465 / Montana Power Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | --- | Robert W. Seelos | POW | - |
| CP | --- | Alexander Kramarinko | EVD/POW | - |
| NAV | --- | William W. Saunders | POW | - |
| BOMB | --- | James E. Murray | KIA | - |
| ENG/TT | --- | Stanley P. Stemkoski | KIA | - |
| RO | --- | Fred R. Hampton | KIA | - |
| BT | --- | William H. Keskey | EVD/POW | - |
| WG | --- | William E. Baker | EVD/POW | - |
| WG | --- | Raymond E. Walls | EVD | - |
| TG | --- | Roland Magee | POW | - |
06. April 2021 access_time 15:35
Wpnder where the “Montana Power” got its name …
19. April 2022 access_time 21:10
For All I Know, the name “Montana Power” comes from the state the captain of the aircraft was from.
07. March 2023 access_time 6:29
Robert W. Seelos was my grandfather. He was born in Montana.
15. December 2021 access_time 23:11
My Wifes Uncle was Sgt.Roland Magee. Tailgunner on Montana Power. We recently discovered a Stalag Luft Library book he obtained while a POW. He bought the book home with him. The books first pages are filled with signatures of fellow POW Airmen. Many wrote notes to home, their home addresses and information concerning where and when they were shot down. There are dozens and dozens of signatures. Also three color pencil drawings done by a POW in the book.An amazing piece of history that was forgotten for decades. Sgt. Magee sadly died soon after his repatriation to the US in a motorcycle accident. We are not sure what to do with the book.(?)