Production-block:
B-17G-10-DL: 42-37721 to 42-37803
Manufacturer:
Douglas
- Bomb Group:
- 95th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 334th Bomb Squadron
- RCL: BG-F
MACR: 1702
History of
B-17 42-37766 / Princess Pat
Delivered Denver 25/8/43; Scott 30/9/43; Assigned 334BS/95BG [BG-F] Horham 13/10/43; with J.W. Hargrove force landed Snetterton Heath 16/11/43; (10m), Missing in Action Munster 22/12/43 with Maurice Mangis, Co-pilot: Don Lembeke, Waist gunner: Jack Short, Waist gunner: Bill McMaster (4 Killed in Action); Navigator: Ernie Bennett, Bombardier: Leon Celnusnak, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Bill Tracy, Ball turret gunner: Dale Aldrich,Tail gunner: Anton Svoboda (5 Prisoner of War); Radio Operator: Dick Dabney (evaded capture); enemy aircraft, crashed Lageveen, Zuidwolde, Hol; Missing Air Crew Report 1702. PRINCESS PAT.
Last updated: 11. February 2018
B-17 42-37766 / Princess Pat Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 2LT | Maurice W. Mangis | KIA | - |
| CP | 2LT | Donald F. Lembcke | KIA | - |
| NAV | 2LT | Ernest J. Bennett | EVD/POW | - |
| BOMB | 2LT | Leonard J. Celusnak | POW | - |
| ENG/TT | S/SGT | William R. Tracy | POW | - |
| RO | S/SGT | Richard C. Dabney | EVD/POW | - |
| BT | SGT | Dale W. Aldrich | POW | - |
| WG | SGT | William H. McMaster | KIA | - |
| WG | SGT | Jack B. Short | KIA | - |
| TG | SGT | Anton Svoboda | POW | - |
05. May 2024 access_time 14:38
Took my sons down the the war memorial in Bay City, MI. Showed them that my name was on the memorial. Waist gunner Jack Short was my great uncle. I didn’t know a whole lot of the history behind him. I was told he was in the Air Force and shot down in the war. My only living uncle informed me that I was named after him. Looking into the event has been a real eye opener. A remembrance on my great uncle, and all the brave soldiers from this tragic war. He was killed in action on December 22 1943. That must have been a tough Christmas for the family. It reminds me to live with bravery and fearlessness like my great uncle,
20. November 2024 access_time 21:47
Jack, send me an email at kevinsack16@gmail.com. I have letters from the crew members addressed to the copilot’s mother that I’d love to share with you.
27. January 2025 access_time 20:27
Jack: My wife’s uncle was the bombardier on the Princess Pat. There is a book, The Belly Gunner memorializing the experience of the crew on the Princess Pat. author Carol Hipperson
30. January 2025 access_time 17:31
Thanks so much for the information regarding the book. I’ve been looking for a picture of my great uncle Jack and found a crew picture. Ordering the book today. I will be sharing all this with my family,