| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Douglas |
| Production-Block: | , B-17F-45-DL: 42-3284 to 42-3338 |
| Operational History | |
|---|---|
| Bomb Group: | , 95th Bomb Group |
| Bomb Squadron: | , 412th Bomb Squadron |
| RCL | QW-Y/V |
| MACR | 1559 |
| Fate: |
, Lost by flak/aa-fire (30 November 1943) |
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.
Information may include corrections and additions based on Jing’s research.
This page was last updated on 01 March 2018
26. March 2022 access_time 12:27
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1647390055532870/permalink/3296140387324487/
16. June 2024 access_time 18:06
My Dad was the waist gunner and assistant radio operator
14. February 2025 access_time 16:12
Hi Brenda, the crash was very close to where I live. We research these crashes (see our website) and I would love to come into contact with you. It would be great if you could contact me by email. thanks in advance.