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Source:
www.fold3.com
Production-block:
B-17G-1-BO: 42-31032 to 42-31131
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 379th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 527th Bomb Squadron
- RCL: FO-A
MACR: 2873
History of
B-17 42-31040 / Duffy’s Tavern
Delivered Cheyenne 13/9/43; Scott 21/9/43; Assigned 527BS/379BG [FO-A] Kimbolton 27/9/43; Missing in Action Frankfurt 29/1/44 with Capt Doug Hoverkamp, Navigator: Meyles Sheppard, Radio Operator: Orvin Taylor, Ball turret gunner: Ben St Johns, Waist gunner: Clem Budelman, Waist gunner: Howard Lawson,Tail gunner: Warren Prosperi (7 evaded capture), Co-pilot: Ernie Hoppe, Bombardier: Frank Paisano, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Wendell Shepard(captured 16/3/44} (3 Prisoner of War); enemy aircraft, crashed Chenogne, near Sibret, five miles from Bastogne, Bel. Missing Air Crew Report 2873. DUFFY’S TAVERN.
Last updated: 2. August 2020
B-17 42-31040 / Duffy’s Tavern Details
Back row left to right:
Douglas K. Hoverkamp; Ernest J. Hoppe; Meyles A. Sheppard; Wendell J. Shepard; Frank Paisano, Jr.
Front row left to right:
Clement C. Budelman; Howard W. Lawson; Orvin V. Taylor; Benjamin H. St. John; Warren J. Prosperi
B-17 42-31040 / Duffy’s Tavern Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | CPT | Douglas K. Hoverkamp | EVD | - |
| CP | 1LT | Ernest J. Hoppe | POW | - |
| NAV | 1LT | Meyles A. Sheppard | EVD | - |
| BOMB | 1LT | Frank Paisano, Jr. | POW | - |
| ENG/TT | T/SGT | Wendell J. Shepard | POW | - |
| RO | T/SGT | Orvin V. Taylor | EVD | - |
| BT | S/SGT | Benjamin H. St. John | EVD | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Clement C. Budelman | EVD | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Howard W. Lawson | EVD | - |
| TG | S/SGT | Warren J. Prosperi | EVD | - |
16. April 2025 access_time 12:54
My father Benjamin Poweski is in the top picture, but not the lower picture. His name isn’t even on the crew list.He was a belly gunner. plane shot down, prisoner of war and on a death march. wish he could get some recognition.
19. April 2025 access_time 0:56
Ben Poweski was lost on another B-17 about a month earlier. (https://b17flyingfortress.de/en/b17/42-37851/) His MACR says that two engines were destroyed by fierce fighter attacks after “bombs away” and Poweski (spelled “Poweske” in MACR) tried to get the rear escape hatch door open as smoke filled the fuselage and the crew prepared to abandon ship. He was low on oxygen and struggled to get the door open, so a fellow crewmate aided him. Before they got it open, however, the plane entered a spin and the men were pinned down before the tail tore off and they were flung out of the plane. Poweski and two other gunners were able to pull their ripcords and were the only survivors. They were taken to Stalag Luft 17B. You can read the MACR here: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/90910274 Have a great day, sir!