| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Boeing |
| Production-Block: | , B-17G-50-BO: 42-102379 to 42-102543 |
| Operational History | |
|---|---|
| Bomb Group: | , 398th Bomb Group |
| Bomb Squadron: | , 601st Bomb Squadron |
| RCL | 3O-B |
| MACR | 5998 |
| Fate: |
, Lost by flak/aa-fire (18 June 1944) |
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History of
B-17 42-102391
Delivered Cheyenne 27/2/44; Gt Falls 2/3/44; Hunter 15/3/44; Grenier 9/4/44; Assigned 601BS/398BG [3O-B] Nuthampstead 26/4/44; (18m) Missing in Action Hamburg 18/6/44 with Willard Hadjes, Co-pilot: Homer Kuck, Navigator: Dick Howell, Bombardier: John Hiller, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Bob GibbWounded in Action, Radio Operator: Joe Ferraioulo, Ball turret gunner: Floyd Jones, Waist gunner: John Lindsay,Tail gunner: Frank Pescia (9 Prisoner of War); flak, force landed Bavendorf, ten miles E of Lueneburg, Ger; Missing Air Crew Report 5998.
Information may include corrections and additions based on Jing’s research.
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This page was last updated on 12 July 2017
17. May 2018 access_time 14:17
Co-pilot Homer Kuck returned home and was employed at Auglaise Co, Ohio Airport in New Knoxville, OH. There he helped a young student pilot by the name of Neil Armstrong to earn his pilots license. The Airport is now named after Neil Armstrong.
17. May 2018 access_time 14:25
That’s amazing!
30. September 2021 access_time 8:34
I know this comment is a little old but hopeful for a response. My wife’s grandad (John. A Hiller) served with Homer Kuck in WW2. Would love to know a way to verify this story. We are getting ready next week to celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday.
01. October 2021 access_time 0:13
Here’s a link to an old news paper article where my Great Uncle Homer introduced Neil Armstrong at a meeting in St. Mary’s Ohio. https://www.pressreader.com/usa/the-evening-leader/20200801/281509343522130
30. September 2021 access_time 17:50
I also have a photograph of this aircraft I can provide.
30. September 2021 access_time 23:48
Actually, I don’t. I think I finally figured it out. They flew the aircraft, “Tailwind” overseas. Painted the plane and even the officers placed their wives names on it. It looks, however, after arriving overseas the aircraft was transferred to another squadron. Wish Jack was still alive to talk about it.
01. October 2021 access_time 0:04
Here’s a link that has a photo of their plane and crew. Your wife’s Grandfather was the bombardier. It also verifies that they were shot down and were POW’s.
30. September 2021 access_time 23:57
Justin. I will try and help. I know that some members of the crew wrote a small book on their war time adventures. However the last time I saw it was when when one of my Uncles had a copy and this was quite a few years after Great Uncle Homer passed away. I will ask around my family to see if anyone has a copy. I know my parents didn’t as I looked for it in their home after they passed away.
01. October 2021 access_time 0:55
This is incredible! I would love to chat some time if you would ever be up for a phone call. I have a good amount of information and was able to interview him about 10 years ago. Working on a piece that I’m almost finished with. Happy to email and perhaps set up a call if you would be willing.
03. September 2022 access_time 7:13
My father was Willard Hadjes the pilot of the B-17 Tailwind. I have quite a lot of information about my father’s time during WWII and his crew. My sister spoke with Jack Hiller on several occasions and has a great deal more information than I do.
He told her that their plane took a lot of flak and started dropping altitude shortly after my dad had moved into the lead position. The had 2 of the 4 engines on fire. They had witnessed others bailing out of damaged planes and being shot by armed men on the ground while descending in their parachutes. My father told them he was going to land the plane – they could jump out if they wanted to. No one did and they all survived the crash. Their landing gear had been knocked out as well so they brought the plane down in a belly landing in a field. The plane skidded across the field and through a fence. Jack said that it was the smoothest landing that Willard and Homer ever made. 😂
06. September 2022 access_time 3:14
This is incredible Cathryn. I’d love to share the short video I did of Jack with you if you are interested or even just to chat. It’s not completely finishing ( a little tidying and some credits still left). You can reach me at justin.biggs4@gmail.com (I don’t check this as often)
14. November 2023 access_time 5:19
hi Justin, my grandfather was Willard hadjes. I would love to get in contact and get more information from you.
14. November 2023 access_time 5:22
Hi John Paul! That would be incredible. I have several emails, but you can reach me at justin.biggs4@gmail.com!