B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-107185

History of
B-17 42-107185

Delivered Tulsa 16/3/44; Kearney 29/3/44; Dow Fd 4/4/44; Assigned 331BS/94BG [QE-V] Rougham 8/4/44; Missing in Action Berlin 6/8/44 with Orville Spenst, Co-pilot: Larry Metzroth, Navigator: Ed Pacek, Bombardier: Ira Dodd, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Chas Brown, Radio Operator: Forest Crosman, Ball turret gunner: Jim Theiss, Waist gunner: Bob Hurd (8POW-rescued by German Sea patrol);Tail gunner: Frank Trilling (KIA-drowned); flak damage and three engines out, ditched North Sea, off Frisian Islands. Missing Air Crew Report 8075.

Last updated: 20. February 2020

B-17 42-107185 Details

Witness statement from MACR 8075

This aircraft was hit by flak in the target area. Left formation in vicinity of target and continued to follow formation until about 31 miles on cource after departing the enemy coast. At approximately 45°14’N – 07°25’E at 1352 hours the aircraft was seen to ditch. Observations just prior to ditching indicated that threee (3) engines were out. As this aircraft had lagged behind the formation from the target area out, it was too far behind to accurately observe wheter ditching was carried out safely. No other observations werre made and no further information as to the whereabouts of the crew are known.

B-17 42-107185 Crew

Related web sites about the B-17 42-107185

1. https://powjamesetheiss.com/