Production-block:
B-17F-115-BO: 42-30617 to 42-30731
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 96th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 339th Bomb Squadron
- RCL: QJ-E
MACR: 2014
History of
B-17 42-30665 / Hunyak
Delivered Boeing 7/7/43; Gore 17/7/43; Dallas 8/8/43; Palm Springs 9/8/43; Geiger 10/8/43; Pendleton 12/8/43; Assigned: 339BS/96BG [QJ-E] Snetterton 1/9/43; MIA Bordeaux 5/1/44 Pilot: Capt Don Cole (KIA); Co-Pilot: Tom Scott, Navigator: Harry Wiggins, Bombardier: Jim Bradley, Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: Harland Hendrix, Radio Operator: Joe Cross, Ball Turret Gunner: Harry Thome, Waist Gunner: Rich Gatesman, Waist Gunner: Clarry Norton (8POW), Tail Gunner: Bob Finney (EVD); flak & Enemy aircraft KO’d three engines, horiz. Stab, & tail shot off; crashed Rochevent, five miles E of Corme-Royal, four miles W of Saintes, Fr; MACR 2014. HUNYAK.
Last updated: 21. March 2019
15. May 2022 access_time 13:47
I never even knew about this crash site, just a few kilometers from my home, until I took a new route a couple of weeks back. When I spotter the little memorial to Capt Cole, I stopped and had a quiet moment of remembrance. Now I pass it regularly and always think of those who paid the ultimate price to fight for our freedom.