B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 41-24465 / Montana Power

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