Production-block:
B-17G-15-BO: 42-31332 to 42-31431
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 96th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 413th Bomb Squadron
- RCL: MZ-Y
MACR: 3424
History of
B-17 42-31403
Delivered Cheyenne 29/10/43; Gr Island 13/11/43; Nashville 27/11/43; Assigned 413BS/96BG [MZ-Y] Snetterton 23/12/43; Missing in Action Berlin 8/3/43 with Clark Ross, Co-pilot: Tom Zimmerman, Navigator: Harry Whitenight, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Rueben Barth, Radio Operator: Henry Flowers, Waist gunner: Tom Abrahamson,Tail gunner: Ralph Curren (7 Prisoner of War); Bombardier: Pat Flaherty, Ball turret gunner: Bill Ewart{body not found until 21/3/44}, Waist gunner: Frank Ford (3 Killed in Action); enemy aircraft, crashed Hohlbeck, near Loburg, W of Berlin, Ger. Missing Air Crew Report 3424.
Last updated: 23. August 2018
15. August 2022 access_time 2:59
Looking for pics or any info re this ship. My cousin once removed, Lt. Patrick Flaherty, was bombardier, killed in the seat.
01. February 2023 access_time 21:31
I do not have pictures but I do have copies of the hand written crash reports from each survivor and some other info as well. my grandpa, Thomas Abrahamson was a waist gunner on this b17 and managed to bail out, taken as a pow.
02. February 2023 access_time 18:21
Hello, Zach. I see that the language on this page is German. In any case, I think have the same written reports by the survivors , that my daughter in law found for us. Any other info you might have, I’d appreciate!! My email is dflahe809@gmail.com. Thank you, again for the reply.. Are you in Germany ?? Thanks, Dana Flaherty
09. February 2023 access_time 15:21
I am not from Germany, I live in Missouri! I’m not sure why the website switched to german, it was English last time I was here. But I will look through my papers and see what I have and forward anything I can find to your email. It’s Great to hear from someone who’s family member was on this ship! I’ve been searching for years to find someone who may have more info about the plane or crew. I was very sorry to hear that your cousin didn’t survive the war.
23. March 2024 access_time 18:24
Hello Zach, My dad, Ralph, was the tail gunner on your grandad’s crew, and also was taken pow. I would be happy to share any info on the crew and March 8th that you may not have.
Yours,
Eddie (Ralph) Currens
24. March 2024 access_time 20:13
Ralph, any info you have would be greatly appreciated! my email is zacharypresley16@gmail.com thank you!
23. March 2024 access_time 18:11
Hello Dana, My name is Ralph Currens, and my dad was the tail gunner on your deceased cousin’s crew. I’ve done some research on the crew and events of March 8th that I’d be happy to share.
Email: eddie.currens@gmail.com
Eddie (Ralph) Currens
25. December 2023 access_time 18:57
My grandfather was radio operator on this ship. I have a picture of the flight crew in front of a different aircraft, 42-5802 that I think was taken during training in Pyote TX so it is not 42-31403. I would be happy to email you copy.
24. March 2024 access_time 20:11
I would love to see any photos you have of the crew or ship. my email is zacharypresley16@gmail.com any info or pics would be greatly appreciated!