B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-102454

History of
B-17 42-102454

Delivered Cheyenne 4/3/44; Gr Island 24/3/44; Dow Fd 5/4/44; Assigned: 338BS [BX-L]; then 413BS/96BG [MZ-T] Snetterton 6/4/44; MIA Merseburg 7/10/44 Pilot: George Anglen, Co-Pilot: Pat Calvarese, Navigator: Carl Friedman, Bombardier: Lou Cerkas, Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: Lyle Nelson, Radio Operator: Norbert Cieszkowski, Ball Turret Gunner: Emil Metzel, Waist Gunner: Frank Bylinowski, Tail Gunner: Jim McNicholas (9POW); Enemy aircraft, crashed Eisenach, near West Klosterholz, Germany. MACR 9353. MAIRZI DOATS.

Last updated: 6. May 2025

B-17 42-102454 Details

Aircraft 454 sustained initial damage over the target and immediately pulled out of formation on fire at one and possibly two engines but fire thought to be extinguished. When last seen aircraft was losing altitude but appeared to be under control. No chutes were observed to have left aircraft and it was headed back towards coast when last seen. Command Pilot of “B” Squadron called for fighter support for this aircraft after it was hit.

Source: MACR 9353