Production-block:
B-17G-10-DL: 42-37721 to 42-37803
Manufacturer:
Douglas
- Bomb Group:
- 305th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 365th Bomb Squadron
- RCL: XK-E
MACR: 920
History of
B-17 42-37740
Delivered Denver 12/8/43; Assigned 365BS/305 BG [XK-E] Chelveston 15/9/43; Missing in Action Schweinfurt 14/10/43 with Ray Bullock, Co-pilot: Homer Hocker, Navigator: Manning Lawrence, togg-Walt Kaeli, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Carl Brunswick, Radio Operator: Harry Jackson, Ball turret gunner: Joe Kocher, Waist gunner: Harry Coyne, Waist gunner: Stan Jarosynski,Tail gunner: Alden Curtis (10 Prisoner of War); enemy aircraft, crashed Schweinfurt, Ger. Missing Air Crew Report 920.
Last updated: 10. July 2017
01. August 2023 access_time 22:17
I am a friend of tail gunner Alden Curtis’ daughter. He lived a long and happy life, passing away in North Conway, New Hampshire in November of 2019 at the age of 99.
31. October 2023 access_time 17:41
I lived across the street from Curt back home in Glen. I always wondered what the story behind his POW plates were growing up. I remember fondly when I asked him about his experience during the war when I was in eighth grade around 2009/2010. We sat on the porch for a while talking and he entertained all the questions of an excited thirteen-year-old. I had trouble keeping up with writing notes because his experience was so interesting. I was blown away by how sharp his memory was after all those decades since the war. He invited me inside and showed me a collection of books, magazines, and other things pertaining to his time in the 305th BG. I think what astounded me the most is that he’d had such an incredible yet traumatic experience, but he didn’t let it define him. I knew him as the nice old man who used to run the bank, sit out in his rocking chair on the porch with his cat Clyde, and stop by the house whenever he’d drive by to give our dogs some treats. His genuine care and time he spent to educate a kid are a large part of why I ended up joining the military later on. Curt was a tough but exceedingly kind man, who always treated my family well. He is missed dearly and remembered in the highest regard.
07. April 2024 access_time 20:11
My father, Raymond, was the pilot. I believe the name of the plane was Sundown Sal. He died on February 1, 2013, and is buried, along with his wife, in the Dayton National Cemetary. Heroes, one and all.