B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-3317 / The Spirit of ’76

History of
B-17 42-3317 / The Spirit of ’76

Delivered Denver 6 May 1943; Dow Field 30 May 1943; assigned 384th BG Grafton Underwood 10 June 1943; transferred to 412th BS/95th BG [QW-Y/V] Horham 28 June 1943; 23missions. Missing in Action Solingen 30 November 1943 with Pilot Arthur C. Hensler Jr; Co-Pilot Robert C. Gilchrist; Bombardier Paul E. Gregory; Navigator William L. Lohmann; Radio Operator/Gunner Max Gottlieb; Engineer/Top Turret gunner Elmer C. Gilcrease; Ball Turret gunner: Francis J. McDermott; Left Waist gunner/Assistant Engineer: Jack B. Hyatt; Right Waist Gunner/Assistant Radio Operator Paul W. Appleby; Tail Gunner Charles J. Higgins. Hit by Flak in right wing after bombs away; oil pressure loss in 2 engines, dropped back, seen leaving the formation 15 minutes before target. Over Holland, at about 1400m altitude, engine #1 exploded and the bail out order was given. Crashed Sterrebos, near Haelen, 5km NW of Roermond, The Netherlands. Missing Air Crew Report 1559.

Last updated: 1. March 2018