Production-block:
B-17F-75-BO: 42-29832 to 42-29931
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 2nd Bomb Group
- 91st Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 324th Bomb Squadron
- RCL: DF-Z
MACR: 1976 / KSU/ME/KU: 555
History of
B-17 42-29921 / Oklahoma Okie
Delivered Denver 13/3/43; Assigned 27BS/2BG New Castle 6/4/43; force landed Meeks Fd, Iceland with John O’Brien 17/4/43; transferred 324BS/91BG [DF-Z] Bassingbourn 23/5/43; Missing in Action 29+m Cognac 31/12/43 with Bayard Dudley, Co-pilot: Glen Neff, Bombardier: Jack Hill, Ball turret gunner: Joe Young,Tail gunner: Roy Adkins (5 Killed in Action), Navigator: Edgar Moore, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Orlin Gregory, Radio Operator: Alex Fontecchio, Waist gunner: Jim Ross, Waist gunner: Bill Hennig (5 Prisoner of War); enemy aircraft riddled cockpit, with radio room afire, then #2, crashed Salaces, near Lesperon, 15 miles N of Dax, near Bordeaux, Fr. Missing Air Crew Report 1976. OKLAHOMA OKIE.
Last updated: 10. April 2021
B-17 42-29921 / Oklahoma Okie Details
At 1158 hours, 4428N – 0115W, A/C 42-29921 was seen to explode in mid-air after dropping down to 8000 feet due to engine, fuselage and nose being on fire from hits registered by enemy aircraft. From 2 to 10 parachutes were observed.
Source: MACR 1976
42-29921 ‘Oklahoma Okie’ Pictures
B-17 42-29921 / Oklahoma Okie Crew
Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|
P | 2LT | Bayard T. G. Dudley | KIA | - |
CP | 2LT | Glen E. Neff | KIA | - |
NAV | 2LT | Edgar L. Moore | POW | - |
BOMB | 2LT | Jack E. Hill | KIA | - |
ENG/TT | T/SGT | Orlin O. Gregory | POW | - |
RO | S/SGT | Alex P. Fontecchio | POW | - |
BT | S/SGT | Joseph B. Young, Jr. | KIA | - |
WG | S/SGT | James C. Ross | POW | - |
WG | S/SGT | William Hennig | POW | - |
TG | SGT | Roy L. Adkins | KIA | - |
16. December 2023 access_time 13:30
Alex Fontecchio was my mother’s brother. After returning from Europe he was hospitalized for many months. The pilots father Ray Dudley came to New Jersey to meet Alex and then offered him a job in his business in Texas. Which my uncle accepted. Eventually Alex settled in Hazellton Pennsyvania where he died at the age of 77.
18. April 2024 access_time 22:05
Francis, the pilot was my great Uncle. I have some letters written by Alex to Ray discussing the events of the crash. I’d love to get in touch with you. I added my email here. Comment back if you can’t see the email address.
29. May 2024 access_time 21:49
Adam. So glad to hear from you. At one time I had sent Bayard, the pilots nephew, the research myself and a cousin of mine put together. I will find it and send to you. It would be great if you could send me the letters from My uncle. I’ve also attached my phone number if you ver care to discuss. 201-400-2673.
29. May 2024 access_time 21:53
Adam. So glad to hear from you. At one time I had sent Bayard, the pilots nephew, the research myself and a cousin of mine put together. I will find it and send to you. It would be great if you could send me the letters from My uncle. I’ve also attached my phone.
number if you ver care to discuss. 201-400-2673.
Of course I meant email me copies of the letters.
29. May 2024 access_time 21:55
Of course I meant email me copies of the letters.