B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-3098 / Skippy

History of
B-17 42-3098 / Skippy

Delivered Denver 5/2/43; Jackson 17/3/43; Assigned 429BS/2BG Navarin 9/4/43; Chateau-du-Rhumel 27/4/43; Ain M’Lila 17/6/43; Massicault 31/7/43; {55m} transferred 353BS/301BG Oudna 13/11/43; {9m+} Missing in Action Piraeus 11/1/44, with Bob Goen, Sudol, Hicks, Fassett, Fowler, Pittoni, Mattkey, Kemmler, Steerman (9 Killed in Action); Raley (evaded capture); crashed Patrai, Greece. Missing Air Crew Report 1832. SKIPPY.

Last updated: 8. November 2020

B-17 42-3098 / Skippy Details

Witness’ Statements from MACR 1832

We were flying in a constant direction and rate of climb when two planes came out of the weather from about 20 degrees from our left. They were flying formation. One went over our right wing, the other went under our left wing. The one over our right wing caused our plane to get his tail bent. Then the Colonel (Barthelmess) lost about 2000 feet, came out in the clear about a minute.

1Lt. John A. Wallace
Bombardiert on A/C #42-37967
Piloted by Col. Barthelmess,
Flying Position 11

We were flying the weather and at times I could only see our secont element. I heard an explosion on my left. I saw a big ball of fire. After this I saw no planes at all back of me. The explosion knocked the side window off the tail.

S/Sgt. Dalma L. Jessup
Tail Gunner on A/C #42-37967
Piloted by Col. Barthelmess,
Flying Position 11

We were flying along in formation. We were hit on the tail. I looked out of the window and saw the explosion, a red ball of flame. I saw what I thought was a parachute, unopened and aflame.

T/Sgt. William Bates, Jr.
Waist Gunner on A/C #42-37967
Piloted by Col. Barthelmess,
Flying Position 11

We were flying in the clouds and couldn’t see the wing ships. I saw an explosion which knocked us to the side. I fell to the floor. I saw a big piece of burning plane falling past us. A/C #42-30357, piloted by 1st Lt. Richard D. Williams, was knocked on its back and started down. It is possible this plane came through alright.

Sgt. Felton P. Pullin
Tail Gunner on A/C 42-30106
Piloted by Lt. Baldwin
Flying Position 23.

B-17 42-3098 / Skippy Crew