Production-block:
B-17G-50-BO: 42-102379 to 42-102543
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 384th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 545th Bomb Squadron
- RCL: JD-P
MACR: 4242
Missions: 4
History of
B-17 42-102448 / Mexican Hay Ride
Delivered Cheyenne 4/3/44; Kearney 22/3/44; Grenier 2/4/44; Assigned: 545BS/384BG [JD-P] Grafton Underwood 15/4/44; MIA Berlin 29/4/44 Pilot: Jim Bouvier, Co-Pilot: Bob Green, Navigator: Harry Gantert, Bombardier: Louis Silk, Radio Operator: Ralph Andrews, Ball Turret Gunner: Bill Neal, Waist Gunner: Jack King, Waist Gunner: John Jones, Tail Gunner: Bob Morgan (9POW); Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: Casimir Wagner (KIA – shot by ME109 on way down); Enemy aircraft, crashed Stackelitz, nine miles NW of Coswig-Anhalt, 37 miles SW of Berlin, Germany. MACR 4242.
Last updated: 18. November 2018
B-17 42-102448 / Mexican Hay Ride Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | --- | James Andrew Bouvier | POW | - |
| CP | --- | Robert John Green | POW | - |
| NAV | --- | Harold Francis Gantert | POW | - |
| BOMB | --- | Louis Allan Silk | POW | - |
| ENG/TT | --- | Casimer John Wagner | KIA | - |
| RO | --- | Ralph Cash Andrews, Jr | POW | - |
| BT | --- | Willam Neal | POW | - |
| WG | --- | John Evan Jones | POW | - |
| WG | --- | Jack H. King | POW | - |
| TG | --- | Robert William Morgan | POW | - |
24. January 2021 access_time 4:07
Dad was tail gunner. Shot down and prisoner for a year and a day, til liberated by the Russians.
14. June 2021 access_time 16:33
Hi James,
I met the pilot James Bouvier in Chicago back in 1978 as I was going out with his daughter. Lost touch and I heard sadly that he has died a few years back. Are there any survivors still living from the crew ? I can send a photo of Grafton Underwood Airfield though you probably have some already. Regards Charles Bailey (Based in Winchester, UK)
12. November 2025 access_time 5:39
Hello, I am not sure if anyone might still be on here, since the last post was back in 2021. My best friend’s kids are the grandsons of Louis A. Silk. He has passed away, but any pictures you might have would be amazing to see. Thanks in advance for anything you might have. Thanks, Lisa