Production-block:
B-17G-50-BO: 42-102379 to 42-102543
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 398th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 600th Bomb Squadron
- RCL: N8-W
MACR: 5312
History of
B-17 42-102498
Delivered Cheyenne 9/3/44; Gr Island 29/3/44; Grenier 20/4/44; Assigned 600BS/398BG [N8-W] Nuthampstead 5/5/44; (7m) Missing in Action Dessau, Ger 30/5/44 with Tom Thompson, Ball turret gunner: Ernie Pennell, Waist gunner: Vic Frisbie (3 Killed in Action); Co-pilot: Conrad Zufall, Navigator: Ralph Garson, Bombardier: Bob Doherty, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: John Namey{Wounded in Action}, Radio Operator: George Gagne,Tail gunner: George Hartwell (6 Prisoner of War); enemy aircraft, ship exploded crashed Aken, nine miles W of Dessau, Ger; Missing Air Crew Report 5312.
Last updated: 7. April 2022
31. December 2021 access_time 13:42
My dad, Ralph Garson, was the navigator on 42-102498, shot down 5/30/44, POW at Stalag Luft III. I’ve read the MACR report. Any additional information would be appreciated. Thank you.
Bunny
06. April 2022 access_time 7:54
Hi. I was a friend of George H. Gagne, who was the radio operator. I am in the Army and was on a rotation in Poland last year and visited Stalag Luft III, in Zagan. I have some great pictures of the area and the Harry Tunnel. There is not much left, but the museum is nice and solemn. I’d be happy to send some pictures.
06. April 2022 access_time 7:50
The radio operator’s last name is misspelled. It should read George H. GAGNE with a “G”, instead of Cagne, with a “C”. Thanks. He was a family friend and loved by many.
07. April 2022 access_time 15:31
Thank you! I have updated his name.
06. July 2022 access_time 15:45
My great uncle was 1LT Tommy Thompson, he was that pilot that went down with the plane along with tail gunner Ernie Pennell. I also have read the MACR report, find it interesting, with conflicting stories of what actually occurred, I keep searching for information.
01. September 2022 access_time 19:03
Scott,
My dad Ralph Garson was navigating the plane that your great uncle Tommy was piloting. Dad was a POW in Stalag Luft III and liberated in summer of 1945 from another camp placement following the harrowing January march. Heroes, all of them. And so young.
Bunny