B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-107042 / Liberty Run

History of
B-17 42-107042 / Liberty Run

Delivered Tulsa 3/2/44; Grenier 2/3/44; Assigned 401BS/91BG [LL-Z] Bassingbourn 5/3/44; Missing in Action 15m Ludwigshafen 27/5/44; flak, force landed Payerne, Switz; Missing Air Crew Report 5356; 9 INT; Salvaged 9AF Germany 10/12/45. LIBERTY RUN.

Last updated: 20. November 2021

B-17 42-107042 / Liberty Run Details

Statements of eyewitness

“Aircraft B-17-G, 42-107042, was last seen about 1236 hours, 27 way 1944, at 4805 N – 0725 E. For about 10 minutes prior to this the No. 1 engine had been throwing oil, then the prop was feathered and some altitude was lost. Malfunctioning of engine unknown, Aircraft 042 called lead ship, gave position and asked for fighter support. He was last seen behind and below the formation: Bombs were salvoed at the time the engine first appeared to be out of order.

2Lt. Robert P. Hart (POW, 20 July 1944)
401st Bomb Sq., 91st Bom Gp.
Navigator B-17 #42-31678

“Aircraft B-17-G, 42-107042, was last seen about 1236 hours, 27 way 1944, at 4805 N – 0725 E. For about 10 minutes prior to this the No. 1 engine had been throwing oil, then the prop was feathered and some altitude was lost. Malfunctioning of engine unknown. Aircraft 042 called lead ship, gave position and asked for fighter support. He was last seen behind and below the formation, bombs were salvoed at the time the engine first appeared to be out of order.

After following the formation for sometime during which the aircraft continued to loose altitude he tumed south. shortly after the turn was made one (1) parachute was seen floating. The ship was last seen going into the clouds, apparently still under control.”

S/Sgt. Frederick H. Lenke, Jr.
401st Bomb Sq., 91st Bomb Gp.
Tail Gunner B-17 #42-97061

Source: MACR 5356

B-17 42-107042 / Liberty Run Crew

Related web sites about the B-17 42-107042 / Liberty Run

1. http://warbird.ch/wb-events/kein-oeldruck-mehr-2/