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Source:
www.americanairmuseum.com
Production-block:
B-17G-50-BO: 42-102379 to 42-102543
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 385th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 550th Bomb Squadron
- RCL: SG-P
MACR: 13141
History of
B-17 42-102481 / Kentucky Winner
Delivered Cheyenne 7/3/44; Kearney 4/5/44; Grenier 19/4/44; Assigned 550BS/385BG [SG-P] Gt Ashfield 20/4/44; Missing in Action Berlin 18/3/45 with Bill Cocker, Bill Chaney, Harold Morthorst, Bob Crider, Ellis Murray, Vince Figini, Joe Ryan, Harry Grimet (8 Returned to Duty); Bill Martsch (Killed in Action); flak, crashed Grodzisk, Russia. Missing Air Crew Report 13141. KENTUCKY WINNER.
Last updated: 31. May 2025
B-17 42-102481 / Kentucky Winner Details
Aircraft 42-102481 was hit by flak at it was turning from the target after bombs away. #3 engine was burning and the bomb bay was on fire. Aircraft pulled off to the side and dove down into the clouds. Four men were seen to jump from the aircraft but chutes were not opened before ship and men went into clouds.
Source: MACR 13141
B-17 42-102481 / Kentucky Winner Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 1LT | William H. Cocke, Jr. | RTD | - |
| CP | 1LT | William S. Chaney, Jr. | RTD | - |
| NAV | F/O | Harold T. Morthorst | RTD | - |
| ENG/TT | SGT | Ellis H. Murrey | RTD | - |
| RO | S/SGT | Vincent C. Figini | RTD | - |
| BT | SGT | Joseph J. Ryan | RTD | - |
| WG | SGT | William Martsch | KIA | - |
| TG | S/SGT | Harry J. Grimet, Sr. | RTD | - |
| TOG | SGT | Robert W. Crider | RTD | - |
15. November 2020 access_time 18:15
My father was one of the men listed in this information piece. I believe he was the waist gunner. Any additional information can be sent to my email address. Thank you.
25. December 2023 access_time 18:30
Hi Cindi, was your father’s name Bill Martsch? I found the Missing Air Crew Report for this aircraft during research if you haven’t seen it yet. Let me know, thanks.
18. April 2024 access_time 5:10
Would love any information you have! Harry Morthoroat is actually Harold Morthorst, rough name to spell, and he was the navigator. That was my grandfather. Thank you!
20. April 2024 access_time 14:20
Sure thing, what’s a good email to send info to?
18. April 2024 access_time 5:15
Hey Matt! My wife’s grandfather was the navigator for this particular B-17. His name is misspelled on here which is the Harry Mortoroat but his name is actually Harold Morthorst. If you have any additional information about this crew please let me know thank you so much, I’m sure both my father in law and my wife would absolutely appreciate it.
20. April 2024 access_time 14:21
Sure thing, what’s a good email to send info to?
11. December 2024 access_time 18:42
Witam. Jestem pasjonatką historii w Grodzisku Wielkopolskim. Chciała bym się dowiedzieć trochę o historii jaka miała miejsce po rozbiciu się bombowca B-17.
23. April 2025 access_time 22:56
Yes, how can I send you information? Please let me know. -Matt
24. April 2025 access_time 10:04
Thank you very much for your answer.
Here is my e-mail: dominikakostanska@gmail.com
30. May 2025 access_time 21:50
Requesting a name update for history of Kentucky Winner for Harry Morthoroat to be corrected to Harold Morthorst