B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-102434 / Heavens Above aka Panhandle Kid

Delivered Cheyenne 3/3/44; Dorval (Montreal) 10/3/44; Assigned RAF [HB783]; transferred USAAF 26/3/44; Assigned 561BS/388BG [L] Knettishall 22/3/44; battle damaged Merseburg 28/9/44 with Elroy Gierach, Co-pilot: Percy Mead, Navigator: Harry Hobbs, Bombardier: Milton Gunnarson, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Ray Smith, Radio Operator: Martin Krey, Ball turret gunner: Daryl Daugherty, Waist gunner: Jim Hyde,Tail gunner: Jim Hodgin (9 Returned to Duty); flak damaged two engines, crash landed Les Villette, near Brasur-Liennes, SW of Malmedy, Bel; Missing Air Crew Report 9379. PANHANDLE KID.