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Source:
www.fold3.com
Production-block:
B-17G-20-BO: 42-31432 to 42-31631
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 91st Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 323rd Bomb Squadron
- RCL: OR-A
MACR: 4579 / KSU/ME/KU: KU-1743
History of
B-17 42-31580 / Merry Widow
Delivered Cheyenne 26/11/43; Paine Fd 27/11/43; Portland 3/12/43; Cheyenne 5/12/43; Kearney 12/12/43; Sth Bend 3/1/44; Grenier 8/1/44; Presque Is 12/1/44; Prestwick 15/1/44; Assigned 323BS/91BG [OR-A] Bassingbourn 29/1/44; Missing in Action Berlin 7/5/44 with Nenad Kovachevich, Co-pilot: Bill Thurman (2 Killed in Action); Navigator: Ed Wallner, Bombardier: Eleuterio Rodriguez, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Fred Parkins, Radio Operator: Ralph Liedke, Ball turret gunner: Don Pilcher, Waist gunner: Bernie Balletiere,Tail gunner: Bill Reynolds (7 Prisoner of War); flak #3 plus other damage, crashed Heidenau, SW of Hamburg, Ger; Missing Air Crew Report 4579. MERRY WIDOW.
Last updated: 3. June 2025
B-17 42-31580 / Merry Widow Details
Statement of Eyewitness
Aircraft B-17G 42-31580 was seen to be hit by flak over Berlin causing smoke from the no. 3 engine which was feathered and then stopped smoking. The ship then dropped out of the formation and followed along behind and below, under control, and was last seen at about 5000 feet, west of Osnabruck, being shot at by flak batteries.
No chute were seen to leave the ship.
2Lt. Harold E. Kirby
Source: MACR 4579
B-17 42-31580 / Merry Widow Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 1LT | Nenad Kovachevich | KIA | - |
| CP | 1LT | William J. Thurman | KIA | - |
| NAV | 1LT | Edward H. Wallner | POW | - |
| BOMB | 1LT | Eleuterio C. Tex | POW | - |
| ENG/TT | T/SGT | Frederick G. Parkins | POW | - |
| RO | S/SGT | Ralph H. Liedtke | POW | - |
| BT | S/SGT | Donald F. Pilcher | POW | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Bernard F. Bellettiere | POW | - |
| TG | S/SGT | William A. Reynolds | POW | - |
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