B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-31114 / Prowlin’ Tom

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Production-block:
B-17G-1-BO: 42-31032 to 42-31131

Manufacturer:
Boeing

Bomb Group:
390th Bomb Group

Bomb Squadron:
568th Bomb Squadron

RCL: BI-G

Fate:

MACR: 5479

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History of
B-17 42-31114 / Prowlin’ Tom

Delivered Cheyenne 21/9/43; Gr Island 6/10/43; Assigned: 568BS/390BG [BI-G] Framlingham 25/10/43; MIA Orleans 8/6/44 Pilot: Edwin Sechrist, Navigator: Vital Turmenne, tog-S/Sgt Henry Wilson, Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: Merrill Caldwell, Radio Operator: Lou Lewis, Ball Turret Gunner: Wendell Oge, Waist Gunner: Bob Tucker, Waist Gunner: Mike Ruta (8EVD); Co-Pilot: Jim Duncan (POW); Tail Gunner: Dave Helps (KIA); flak, crashed Maissemy, six miles NW of St Quentin, Fr. MACR 5479. PROWLIN’ TOM.

Source: The B-17 Flying Fortress Story (Affiliate-Link/CommissionsEarned)

Last updated: 5. June 2018

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Jeff Gordon
23. August 2023 19:54

My biological grandfather on my mother’s side was the Co-Pilot of the Prowlin Tom. if anyone has any information about James(Jim) H. Duncan I would love to hear from you. Thank you–jt

Mike Boothe
13. February 2024 2:35

I was just watching Antiques Roadshow, 2/12/24, and the had a leather jacket from someone on the plane. The person who bought it had bought his house; no name was given. she also had paperwork on the airman, as he was wounded.
Maybe if you contact the show they could provide more info. Might lead to more info foe you.
Good luck!
Mike Boothe

Jeff Gordon
19. February 2024 1:34

Mike… Thank you for the comment. I watched the video and that’s definitely the plane my grandfather was a crewmember on. I reached out to Antique Roadshow in hopes they would pass my contact information on the the lady that had the jacket. You are awesome and I’ll let you know if I hear anything.

DAMON Ruta
31. May 2024 16:33

my uncle Mike ( SSGt. Michael Ruta was a crewman was one of the crewman [waist gunner] who was shot out of “prowling tom” or as he/they called it The Fort.

Jeff Gordon
06. June 2024 17:53

Damon,

Hard to believe that was 80 years ago. I bet you have some awesome stories from your uncle about his experiences. I have a letter that Ed Seacrist wrote my Grandmother while Jack was still missing. Fascinating stuff for sure.

Dale
13. February 2024 2:41

Watch antiques roadshow Sturbridge mass air date Feb 12 2024 family member of crew has a jacket.

Frank
13. February 2024 4:13

Hi Jeff, (2/12/2024) I was just watching “antiques road show” & they showed a lady who purchased a house & she found a Prowlin Toms Bomber jacket. They didn’t say who the jacket belonged to but she provided detailed information of the shoulder injuries that he suffered . She also found a parachute that belonged to that plane.
What got me interested into looking into this further was the jacket had 26 bombs (26 missions). After 25 missions they usually were allowed to go back home.

Jeff Gordon
19. February 2024 1:43

Frank,
I’m on it man… Thanks for reaching out. I’ve contacted Antique Roadshow in hopes they will put me in touch with the current owner. As for the number of sorties… I know that Prowlin Tom was involved in a training accident prior to my grandfather’s crew getting it. It was repaired and put back into service. I believe the number of bombs on the plane reflect the sum of the 2 crews that were assigned that A/C… Just a theory though… Thanks again and I’ll let you know if I get anything back from Antique Roadshow.

B Chandler
13. February 2024 4:23

To Jeff Gordon. Just watched a PBS program, originally aired two weeks ago, Antiques Roadshow, where a woman had a bomber jacket with Prowlin Tom on the back, and the 390th patch on the front. She claimed it was in a house she purchased. Said the original owner was injured in the war by flak. Didnt mention his name though. Thought you might be able to track her down from the show details.