Production-block:
Boeing B-17E: 41-2393 to 41-2669
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 11th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 98th Bomb Squadron
MACR: 16104
History of
B-17 41-2616 / The Blue Goose
Delivered Ogden 22/2/42; slated RAF but transferred 98BS/11BG Hawaii 24/5/42; also 7BG, painted blue all over; Missing in Action when hit by ship flak on bomb run over Guadalcanal 29/9/42 with Frank T. Waskowicz, Co-pilot: Clarry Marthey, Navigator: Art Platt, Bombardier: Joe Todd, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: David Dixon, as-eng-J.W. Childers, Radio Operator: J.W. Joslin, Waist gunner: Nenry Nosalik,Tail gunner: Bob Thomas (9 Killed in Action); explosion blew off wing and crashed into sea. Missing Air Crew Report 16104. THE BLUE GOOSE.
Last updated: 13. June 2017
B-17 41-2616 / The Blue Goose Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 1LT | Frank T. Waskowitz | KIA | - |
| CP | 1LT | Clarence L. Marthey | KIA | - |
| NAV | 1LT | Arthur J. Platt | KIA | - |
| BOMB | 1LT | Joseph M. Todd | KIA | - |
| ENG/TT | T/SGT | David G. Dixon | KIA | - |
| RO | S/SGT | J. W. Joslin | KIA | - |
| TG | CPL | Robert G. Thomas | KIA | - |
| --- | S/SGT | J. W. Childers | KIA | Assistant Engineer |
| --- | CPL | Henry C. Nosalik | KIA | Asst Radio |
30. December 2022 access_time 18:33
41-2616 was originally intended for Britain, and I now believe it was quite likely painted in the RAF Temperate Land and Deep Sky scheme, which led to it being called “the blue goose” in the 11th Bomb Group.
26. June 2023 access_time 19:43
From Fortress Against the Sun, pg 218:
“Interestingly, Waskowitz’ plane, the Blue Goose, was actually painted a bright, light blue. Perhaps as a test for a new camouflage scheme, B-17E 41-2616 had been given a coat, top to bottom, of Light Glossy Blue Duco paint at the Hawaiian Air Depot. With its highly unusual color, the B-17 and its crew were soon known to everybody.”
Based on the above, it seems to me that the plane arrived in Hawaii in RAF colors, but was then repainted (in blue) there. That is when it would have picked up the “Blue Goose” moniker.
27. June 2023 access_time 21:31
I think Gene Salecker’s information is wrong, and 41-2616 simply retained the Temperate Land and Deep Sky camouflage during its relatively short career in the South Pacific.