B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-30216 / Jonny

History of
B-17 42-30216 / Jonny

Delivered Cheyenne 29/4/43; Gore 9/5/43; Sioux City 10/5/43; Dow Fd 12/6/43; Assigned 563BS/388BG [–S] Knettishall 18/6/43; Missing in Action Oschersleben 28/7/43 with Ralph Swanson, Co-pilot: Harry Erickson, Navigator: Chas Bergheimer, Bombardier: Norvell Nystrom, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Phil Kinder, Radio Operator: Fred Ward, Ball turret gunner: Bob Shaw, Waist gunner: Dick Lambrecht, Waist gunner: Chas McMenamin,Tail gunner: Bill Deane (10 Prisoner of War); enemy aircraft, crashed Banteln, near Elze, S of Hanover, Ger; Missing Air Crew Report 3128. JOHNNIE.

Last updated: 10. January 2022

B-17 42-30216 / Jonny Details

Lt. Swanson was flying as lead ship in the low squadron n ship #216 when he went down on his fourth mission.

Lt Swanson went down on the way Into the target. It was reported that Swanson was hit by flak at 52.34’N – 08.35’E, but while still in formation salvoed his bombs. He then was attacked by fighters, lost altitude unit he was approximately 3000 ft. below the formation, at which point his #1 engine was on fire and the blaze extended back to the tail. His ship then noded down and started to spin. One chute was seen at this time. There was considerable talk in one crew about delaying jump. No additional information.

Source: MACR 3128

B-17 42-30216 / Jonny Crew