B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-102672 / Ole’ Swayback

History of
B-17 42-102672 / Ole’ Swayback

Delivered Cheyenne 24/3/44; Hunter 9/4/44; Dow Fd 29/4/44; Assigned: 533BS/381BG [VP- Ridgewell 21/5/44; MIA Dessau 30/5/44 Pilot: Merrill Burton, Co-Pilot: Dave Bredeson, Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: John Eylens, Ball Turret Gunner: Ralph Powell (4KIA); Navigator: Alvin Berry{wia}, tog-Sgt Bob Hammond{wia}, Radio Operator: Jim Marbry, Waist Gunner: Vic Pillot{mia}, Tail Gunner: Bob Hittel (5POW); Enemy aircraft, set wing afire between #3 and #4, ship exloded before all could bale out, crashed between Werderhausen and Piethen, 17 miles SW of Dessau, Germany. MACR 5233. OL’ SWAYBACK.

Last updated: 20. June 2018