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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.
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.