B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-107065 / Rigor Mortis II

History of
B-17 42-107065 / Rigor Mortis II

Delivered Denver 9/2/44; Hunter 3/3/44; Homestead 16/3/44; slated 398BG, Assigned 817BS/483BG Sterparone 17/3/44; transferred 97BG Amendola 5/44; battle damaged Atzgerdorf, Aus 24/5/44 with ?; BTG Wasnuk shot out of turret, aircraft landed Foggia; Missing in Action Salzburg 17/11/44 with Arthur Lammers, Jarvis, Todd, Van Morris, Tunney, Krieger, Nordham, Bleber, Patterson, Lynch; Missing Air Crew Report 9877. RIGOR MORTIS II.

Last updated: 31. March 2021

B-17 42-107065 / Rigor Mortis II Details

Eyewitness Statements to the loss of B-17 42-107065 / Rigor Mortis II

I the undersigned was flying in aircraft #533, on mission 17 November 1944, to Brux Czeche. On the way to the target I saw Aircraft 065 falling away from the formation and aircraft smoking. I saw 4 chutes come out of the aircraft on the left, and 4 chutes on the right, coming from the waist of the aircraft. All chutes opened up. The aircraft then went into a dive a nd crashed into the water, burning up, exploding.

Sgt. Donald L. Dahlke

I the undersigned was flying with A/C 533, 340th Bomb Squadron on mission 17 November 1944, to Brux Czeche. On the way to the target I saw Aircraft #065 with #2 engine on fire and falling away from the formation. The aircraft then went into a dive with 8 chutes coming out of the A/C and opening. The aircraft then crashed into the water and exploded.

Sgt. Thomas E. Alexander

Source: MACR 9877

B-17 42-107065 / Rigor Mortis II Crew