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Source:
fold3.com
Production-block:
B-17G-1-BO: 42-31032 to 42-31131
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- 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
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.
Last updated: 11. July 2021
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 | - |
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
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.