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Source:
Facebook
Production-block:
B-17G-15-DL: 42-37804 to 42-37893
Manufacturer:
Douglas
- Bomb Group:
- 92nd Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 325th Bomb Squadron
- RCL: NV-K
MACR: 5357 / KSU/ME/KU: 2084
History of
B-17 42-37877 / Popcorn Fort
Delivered Denver 28/9/43; Gr Island 20/10/43; Assigned 325BS/92BG [NV-K] Podington 20/1/44; Missing in Action Cottbus 29/5/44 with Harry Avery, Co-pilot: Ed Stapleton, Navigator: Jack Sorkin, Radio Operator: Don Bennett (wia), Waist gunner: Clarry Ackerman,Tail gunner: Don Merrick (6 Prisoner of War); Bombardier: Bob Stewart, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Jim McIlroy, Ball turret gunner: Clem Dreyer (3 Killed in Action); enemy aircraft set ship on fire, blew up and crashed Denzig, five miles SW of Kallies, E of Stettin, Pol; Missing Air Crew Report 5357. POPCORN FORT.
Last updated: 2. February 2022
B-17 42-37877 / Popcorn Fort Details
Eyewitness statements
Ship 877 was hit on first or second attack. A 20mm went throug left wing, outboard of #1 engine. 877 flew in his position for about ten (10) minutes, then peeled off to the right, apparently under control. About a minute later that, the left wing buckled and fire started at the trailing edge. A few seconds thereafter, the wing section broke off and the ship went into a steep spiral to the left out of control. Seven chutes were seen by my crew members.
2Lt. Herdman S. Porter
Source: MACR 5357
B-17 42-37877 / Popcorn Fort Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 2LT | Harold B. Avery | POW | - |
| CP | 1LT | Eduard F. Stapleton | POW | - |
| NAV | 2LT | Jack Sorkin | POW | - |
| BOMB | 2LT | Robert F. Stewart | KIA | - |
| ENG/TT | S/SGT | James N. McIlroy | KIA | - |
| RO | S/SGT | Donald E. Bennettwia | POW | - |
| BT | SGT | Glen J. Dreyer | KIA | - |
| WG | SGT | Clarence F. Ackerman | POW | - |
| TG | S/SGT | Donald D. Merrick | POW | - |
27. May 2019 access_time 23:00
Son of Donald Bennett radio operator. POW, amputee, repatriated, GREAT FATHER AND MY HERO.
19. February 2021 access_time 20:56
Donald Merrick was my uncle never met him. Do you have any crew photos you could share?
22. May 2022 access_time 12:08
Mr. Bennett, my organization is conducting a remembrance at the crash site. If you have any information that you could submit, it would be greatly appreciated.
25. May 2022 access_time 18:39
I have my father’s narrative of the final moments including his capture,treatment and repatriation. I’ll try and forward the original text. He has since passed away and among his belongings I have complete documentation of treatment and Stalag Luft 4 where he was interred until repatriated.
29. May 2024 access_time 17:14
the remains of this plane were recently found in Poland
05. January 2021 access_time 11:06
Dziękuję że twój ojciec walczył na II wojnie światowej. jest kamień pamiątkowy w miejscu gdzie jego samolot B-17 #42-37877 “Popcorn Fort” spadł i się rozbił w maju 1944r.
25. January 2023 access_time 18:56
If you are looking for traces of your heroic ancestors who died, went missing or were sent to Nazi prisoner of war camps during World War II heroic fights in north western Poland until May 1945. In German Pomerania and Brandenburg. Let me know and I will investigate any thread. artur1970blue@gmail.com phone: 0048 601 596 569
Arthur. Call, write… discover the heroes in your family…
09. March 2024 access_time 13:13
My great uncle was the top turret gunner and would greatly appreciate any records or pictures and will of course share what I have.
05. June 2025 access_time 10:42
My home town holds a ceremony with the mayor and city officials to remember those Heroes every year at the remembrance stone near the crash site in Poland. You can look it up on Facebook under Kalisz Pom News. This year’s ceremony just happened few days ago.