| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Boeing |
| Production-Block: | , B-17G-50-BO: 42-102379 to 42-102543 |
| Operational History | |
|---|---|
| Bomb Group: | , 398th Bomb Group |
| Bomb Squadron: | , 600th Bomb Squadron |
| RCL | N8-W |
| MACR | 5312 |
| Fate: |
, Lost by enemy aircraft (30 May 1944) |
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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.
Information may include corrections and additions based on Jing’s research.
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This page was last updated on 07 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.
26. January 2026 access_time 18:16
Bunny, 1LT Tommy Thompson was my great uncle and was the pilot on that plane that day, he went down with the plane, do you happen to have any info or photos of the crew? I have the entire after action report MARC 05312 if you dont have that, all the crews after action reporting from the event
thanks! Scott R Thompson (Ret 1SG Army)
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
30. January 2024 access_time 17:14
Conrad ‘Max’ Zufall was a friend and flight instructor of mine. He never spoke much of his time(understandably). I only have one photo of him and the entire crew. He was the Co-pilot. Would enjoy speaking to anyone that has previously posted and can share the photo I have and interested in the same
26. January 2026 access_time 18:19
Tim I would be interested in the photo you have of the crew, my great uncle was 1LT Tommy Thompson pilot that day
30. January 2024 access_time 17:14
Conrad ‘Max’ Zufall was a friend and flight instructor of mine. He never spoke much of his time(understandably). I only have one photo of him and the entire crew. He was the Co-pilot. Would enjoy speaking to anyone that has previously posted and can share the photo I have and interested in the same.
31. January 2024 access_time 17:08
I was friends with Conrad ‘Max’ Zufall. He passed in 2013. I have a photograph of the entire crew beside a B17 The Georgia Crew. Max was the co-pilot. Would be glad to speak with anyone and share the photograph and interested in any you may have.
Tim
17. March 2024 access_time 20:53
Tim – I’d be so happy if you would share the photo of the crew. My brother is turning 80 and I know it would make the perfect gift.
Thank you.
Bunny Garson Braverman
bbrave1227@gmail.com
29. December 2025 access_time 4:37
Hi! My great grandfather was John Namey, top gunner on 42-102498 that went down in Dassau on 5/30/44, and was a POW at Stalag IV. He was 42 when he died, so I’m trying to learn as much as I can. I read the MACR report and am searching for pictures. Scott, Tim or Bunny could you please share any pictures, stories or any other details you may have found out?
Many thanks, Leah Namey
lbnamey@gmail.com
26. January 2026 access_time 18:22
Leah, good to see some still around close family…Tommy Thompson pilot was my great uncle from Dunkirk NY, I have a few pictures of Tommy but you probably have the pictures that are posted here and the Marc report.