B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-3049 / Windy City Challenger

History of
B-17 42-3049 / Windy City Challenger

Delivered Tulsa 14/1/43; Assigned: 422BS/305BG [JJ-W] New Castle 17/3/43; Chelveston 25/3/43; MIA Villacoublay 14/7/43 Pilot: John Perkins, Co-Pilot: Art Lewis, Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: Joe Dube, Ball Turret Gunner: Joe Wendell, Waist Gunner: Joe Devine, Waist Gunner: Sid Lesneau, Tail Gunner: Ken Meyer (7KIA); Navigator: Chas Otis, Bombardier: George Carruthers, Radio Operator: Harry Fedora, foto-George Friend (4POW); Enemy aircraft KO’d #3, crashed Lieuesant, 10 miles NW of Melun, Fr.; MACR 64. WINDY CITY CHALLENGER.

Last updated: 18. July 2023

B-17 42-3049 / Windy City Challenger Details

Second Lieutenant Homer L. Hocker of the 365th Bombardment Squadron, flying as tail gunner in the lead aircraft of our Group reported:

Just after bombs were away at 0813 hours over Villacoublay, an enemy aircraft attacked our aircraft No. 42-3049 hitting and setting fire to No. 3 engine. Aircraft 42-3049 fell out of formation, flaming form the cockpit and at approximately 0820 hours was seen to hit the ground and explode. From four (4) to seven (7) parachutes were observed.

2nd Lt. George C. Carruther added the following information during questioning for the Missing Air Crew Report.

I was blown clear of the ship when it exploded. I counted three other chutes close by as I descended.

To my knowledge all crew members wer aboard when the place exploded. The crew members who parachuted to safety besides my self were: Sgt. Friend who was taken to the hospital with me and 2nd Lt. Otis and Sgt. Fedora.

I was not able to inspect the wreckage of the plane. The only information I have is that given me by the German officer who interrogated me. He said that seven bodies were found and identified.

Source: MACR 64

B-17 42-3049 / Windy City Challenger Crew