Source:
www.fold3.com
| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Boeing |
| Production-Block: | , B-17G-55-BO: 42-102544 to 42-102743 |
| Operational History | |
|---|---|
| Bomb Group: | , 381st Bomb Group |
| Bomb Squadron: | , 534th Bomb Squadron |
| RCL | GD-A |
| MACR | 6534 |
| KSU/ME/KU: | KU 2361 |
| Fate: |
, Lost by flak/aa-fire (24 June 1944) |
| Missions: | 12 |
History of
B-17 42-102585 / The-Betty-L
Delivered Cheyenne 16/3/44; Kearney 1/4/44; Dow Fd 8/4/44; Assigned 534BS/381BG [GD-A] Ridgewell 24/4/44; Missing in Action 12m Tours 24/6/44 with Vic Romasco, Navigator: Jim Chandler, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Elbert Giddens,Tail gunner: Ernie Waldow (4 Prisoner of War); Co-pilot: Dick Kellum, Radio Operator: Paul Cosandier, Ball turret gunner: Grover Scoggins, Waist gunner: Harry Owens (4 Killed in Action); Bombardier: Ray Stewart (evaded capture) flak hit in radio room, crashed Valleres-le-May, 12 miles SW of Tours, Fr; Missing Air Crew Report 6534. THE BETTY L.
B-17 42-102585 / The-Betty-L Details
Eyewitness Statement
We were flying number three position of the lead element of High Group. Just as we were nearing our Target the lead ship B-17G 42-102585 recieved a direct hit from Flak in the Radio Room blowing out the top and both sides of the ship. About two seconds after being hit three bombs were released. The entire Group then released theirs. It dropped out of Formation still under control. I saw four men come out of the ship, apparently from the Bomb-bay or escape hatch. The ship started a slow turn to the right and passed under our wing out of sight.
2Lt. Harry A. Smith
Co-Pilot, B-17G 42-32049
We were flying number three position, lead element, High Group on the 24 June 1944. We made a 360 degree turn to begin our Bomb Run when our lead ship B-17G aircraft 42-102585 recieved a direct hit of Flak in the Radio Compartment blowing both sides of the ship out. The tail gunner saw parts of the Radio Man fly free of the ship and also four parachutes, two of which were delayed. The ship flew straight and level for a few seconds and then made a right turn and went out of my sight.
2Lt. William F. Skoglund
Pilot, B-17G 42-32049
We were flying on the left wing of the lead ship making our Bomb Run when I saw an explosion in the Radio Compartment of the lead ship. The top and both sides were blown out. The plane began to drop out of the Formation but did not go out of control for about two minutes. During this time I saw 4 men jump out. The number three engine was smoking. I saw no fire until the ship hit the ground.
2Lt. Edwin W. Switzer
Navigator, B-17G 42-32049
Source: MACR 6534
B-17 42-102585 / The-Betty-L Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 2LT | Victor R. Romasco | POW | - |
| CP | 2LT | Richard L. Kellum | KIA | - |
| NAV | F/O | James H. Chandler | POW | - |
| BOMB | 1LT | Ray L. Stewart | EVD | - |
| ENG/TT | SGT | Elbert F. Giddens | POW | - |
| RO | S/SGT | Paul G. Cosandier | KIA | - |
| BT | SGT | Grover L. Scoggins | KIA | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Harry E. Owens | KIA | - |
| TG | S/SGT | Ernest L. Waldow | POW | - |
This page was last updated on 31 January 2026
15. March 2023 access_time 15:20
It says the navigator was Jim Chandler. That was my Dad. Just for research sake, he was never called Jim. He went by his middle name Harris “Hap” during the war. So, for historical research perspective if you’d like to change it to James H Chandler that would be great. Thanks!