Source:
fold3.com
| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Boeing |
| Production-Block: | , B-17G-1-BO: 42-31032 to 42-31131 |
| Operational History | |
|---|---|
| Bomb Group: | , 401st Bomb Group, 91st Bomb Group |
| Bomb Squadron: | , 401st Bomb Squadron |
| RCL | LL-J, LL-F |
| MACR | 2897 |
| KSU/ME/KU: | 1125/1126 |
| Fate: |
, Lost by enemy aircraft (06 March 1944) |
History of
B-17 42-31079
Delivered Cheyenne 15/9/43; Scott 23/10/43; Assigned 401BG Deenethorpe 14/11/43; transferred 401BS/91BG [LL-J/F] Bassingbourn 20/11/43; Missing in Action Erkner 6/3/44 with Paris Coleman, Navigator: Arthur Rinne, Ball turret gunner: Osceola Phillips,Tail gunner: Steve Pogan (4 Killed in Action); Co-pilot: Bob Thompson, Bombardier: Jim O’Looney, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Orlando Puntorno, Radio Operator: Kirk Aldridge, Waist gunner: Art Truesdale, Waist gunner: Francis Deary (6 Prisoner of War); enemy aircraft shot off right stabilizer, crashed Lindstedt, seven NW of Gardelegen, Ger; Missing Air Crew Report 2897.
B-17 42-31079 Details
Eyewitness Statement from MACR 2897
Aircraft B-17G 42-31079, was last observed at or about 1245 hours in the vicinity of 5215 N – 1220 E, at which time it was attacked by enemy aircraft. The right stabiliser was shot off and number three (3) engine was burning as subjected aircraft went down finallly blowing up. Eight (8) parachutes were seen to come from this aircraft and observer felt there had been sufficient time when the aircraft was under control for the other two to get out.
B-17 42-31079 Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 1LT | Paris R. Coleman | KIA | - |
| CP | 2LT | Robert A. Thompson | POW | - |
| NAV | 2LT | Arthur C. Rinne | KIA | - |
| BOMB | 2LT | James S. O'Looney | POW | - |
| ENG/TT | T/SGT | Orlando Puntorno | POW | - |
| RO | T/SGT | Kirk R. Aldrich | POW | - |
| BT | S/SGT | Osceola D. Phillips, Jr. | KIA | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Arthur W. Truesdale | POW | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Francis J. Leary | POW | - |
| TG | S/SGT | Steve J. Pogan, Jr. | KIA | - |
This page was last updated on 11 July 2021
10. December 2021 access_time 6:05
Hello –
Are there any other family members of the crew on this plane who have any additional information about its history, and maybe photos of the crew members?
Regards, David
18. July 2022 access_time 14:51
yes
16. September 2023 access_time 5:00
Steve , Sean, David, Please contact me. I dont know your email contact
bfraser921@aol.com
13. June 2022 access_time 11:44
I met the co-pilot, Robert A. Thompson in the 80’s and we discussed this mission and time in the service and time in A POW camp
07. July 2022 access_time 18:56
Hi Bill – I have heard a few stories on whether or not my GPa was able to bail out. Do you have any information on Paris?
Best regards,
Sean Coleman
18. July 2022 access_time 14:50
Hi Sean,
My grandfather is Orlando Puntorno, engineer/top turret gunner on this B17, which they called Patches. My Mom still has his POW diary and many other items including a crew photo. We were told that your grandfather Paris and Thompson made sure my grandfather was bailed out, as he was unconscious from the 20mm shell that hit the cockpit area. I also found information that they were the lead ship of the lead group of the lead wing of the 94 mile long bomber stream on that first major US bombing raid on 6 March 44 on Berlin. Would love to discuss with you. And Bill too.
16. September 2023 access_time 4:54
Hi Steve, Just saw your note. Lets compare notes. I met Thompson in the 80’s and we spent 2 days talking about this mission. I will never forget it! There was a book written and colemans plane is mentioned https://www.amazon.com/Target-Berlin-Mission-250-March/dp/0853689156/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2XFYUYOR61XPC&keywords=target+berlin+mission+250&qid=1694832819&sprefix=mission+to+berlin%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-1
bfraser921@aol.com write me!
16. September 2023 access_time 4:48
I met the co-pilot, Bob Thompson in the 80’s. His daughter invited me up tho his cottage in Maine. I was flight training and saw a picture of a B-17 in his cabin. I ask what the connection was and he told me he was in Lt Coleman plane as the co-pilot on their 17th mission on raid to Berlin March 6, 1944. 69 plane were lost on this mission.They were one of the first planes shot down on a head on pass. He didnt tell me this but I think they were close to the front of a 800+ bomber stream. he told me Paris Coleman and him both bailed out and he doesn’t know how he died. He speculated a couple of things. If you want to chat email me bfraser921@aol.com I spoke to him non stop over 2 days and I will never forget it.
25. April 2025 access_time 5:11
I met the co-pilot in the mid 80’s. He told me, Paris Coleman and him bailed out at the same time. I ask if he knew why he was listed as KIA and said he did not know but mentioned two possibiities (pure speculation) cases of flyers shot in chutes and or civilians killing downed airmen. I’m sorry for your loss.
30. April 2025 access_time 2:01
Waist Gunner S/SGT Francis J. Deary POW was my grandfather. He was from Webster Massachusetts. Any information about his crew or him would be greatly appreciated.
05. October 2025 access_time 21:41
Hi Keith, Email me. I have some information about his last mission. I live nearby in Grafton, Ma