zoom_in
Source:
398th.org
Production-block:
B-17G-35-DL: 42-106984 to 42-107233
Manufacturer:
Douglas
- Bomb Group:
- 398th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 602nd Bomb Squadron
- RCL: K8-G
MACR: 11348
Missions: 42
History of
B-17 42-107188 / Ramp Rooster
Delivered Tulsa 18/3/44; Kearney 29/3/44; Dow Fd 6/4/44; Assigned 602BS/398BG [K8-G] Nuthampstead 5/5/44; (42m) Missing in Action Bingen, Ger 29/12/44 with Mahlon Erickson, Navigator: Paul Nachtwey, Radio Operator: Claiborne Graves, Ball turret gunner: Lowell Thompson, Waist gunner: Jim Sewell,Tail gunner: Bob Morden (6 Prisoner of War); Co-pilot: Adolph Huesgen, Bombardier: Lionel Leitner, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Emil Peterson (3 evaded capture); flak hit #2, crashed near Liege, Bel/Lux border; Missing Air Crew Report 11348 [?11346]. RAMP ROOSTER.
Last updated: 23. March 2019
15. December 2017 access_time 4:18
This picture is not correct. This is not the Erickson crew. This is the Doerstler crew. The belly gunner is my great Uncle Frederick Sherrod.
15. December 2017 access_time 7:26
Yes, that’s right. I could not found a picture of the Erickson crew. But I hope the aircraft is correct.
30. May 2022 access_time 22:09
My father is Lowell Thompson ball turret gunner on Ramp Rooster the day it was shot down. I would like to be notified if anyone ever finds a photo of the Erickson crew. This was not Erickson’s normal plane. This was a 602 th backup used to fill in when a usual plane was out of commission. Thus the name Ramp Rooster. Dad told me crews did not like to fly it and it’s sure turned out to be bad luck for him.
11. May 2023 access_time 22:32
I too would like to see a picture of the crew. My father, Mahlon Erickson, was the pilot when it was lost. I have some pictures of him in training but nothing more recent.
12. September 2023 access_time 5:05
https://398th.org/Images/Images_Crews/Text/Flight/Erickson_602_19441228.html
12. September 2023 access_time 5:07
Robert “Bob” Morden bottom right was the Tail Gunner. My Uncle.
17. June 2024 access_time 21:42
Hi James, thanks for the picture. Unfortunately my dad (Lowell Thompson) is not in that abbreviated picture with only seven crew. Obviously he was one of the missing three. I don’t recognize anyone in the picture and my dad passed away sometime ago. I do recognize your uncles name and I have a funny story that dad told me about him. He said they were over target taking a lot of fire from enemy fighters and Bob suddenly came on the radio with some panic in his voice saying “those son a bitches shot the heel off of my shoe”. Not sure if you ever heard that story from your uncle, but it always stuck with me as one of the stories that dad told.
17. June 2024 access_time 8:17
I found most everything a couple years ago. What happened to you guys?
07. December 2024 access_time 2:59
My grandfather was Jim Sewell. My dad was named after both Lowell Thompson and Mahlon Erickson. I’m so glad to read some of these comments from family of his crew mates. Was the Maude Maria pictured with the Erickson crew their normal plane. I remember him saying they had to take the Ramp Rooster the day they were shot down and they all had a bad feeling the morning before the mission.