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Source:
www.fold3.com
Production-block:
B-17G-35-BO: 42-31932 to 42-32116
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 452nd Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 731st Bomb Squadron
- RCL: 7D-Q
History of
B-17 42-31934 / Marie Helena
Delivered Cheyenne 6/1/44; Gr Island 15/1/44; Assigned 731BS/452BG [7D-Q] Deopham Green 4/2/44; Damaged over Rouen 8/7/44; with Bob Smith (Wounded in Action), Bombardier: John Morales (Wounded in Action), Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Wilfred Munningham (Wounded in Action), Radio Operator: John Kayes (Wounded in Action), Ball turret gunner: Jack Lodwig, Waist gunner: Everett O’Malley, Waist gunner: Don Tucker,Tail gunner: Bill Lorig (8 Returned to Duty); Co-pilot: Joe Beauregard, Navigator: John Thomsen (2 Killed in Action); Two engines out and radio, force landed on US fighter strip in France; was eventually repaired and back to UK base; Returned to the USA 121 BU Bradley 5/7/45; 4168 Base Unit, South Plains, Texas 25/8/45; Reconstruction Finance Corporation (sold for scrap metal in USA) Kingman 17/11/45. Missing Air Crew Report ?. MARIE HELENA.
Last updated: 4. March 2022
02. March 2022 access_time 19:53
One glaring error in the above history of “Marie Helena”. My father’s name is misspelled and it is not noted that he was wounded that day over Rouen. His correct name was: Wilfred Munningham. I had the honor of speaking with the pilot on that day long ago, Bob Smith, a few years ago and he filled in some gaps of info from that day. He told me he remembered my dad that except for the actions of my dad, the aircraft would probably have been lost. Dad not only replaced Mr Smith O2 line with a spare, but pulled the deceased co-pilot off the controls and after attempting to resuscitate him, tied him into the seat with the interphone cord, then crawled throughout the aircraft, notifying the crew of a potential bail-out situation, despite having been struck in the right knee with shrapnel from the flak that had killed his friends, the co-pilot and the navigator. For his actions he was awarded a Silver Star and a Purple Heart.
04. March 2022 access_time 8:16
Hello Keith,
thank you for sharing your father’s story.
I have update the information with your information.