Production-block:
B-17G-20-DL: 42-37894 to 42-37988
Manufacturer:
Douglas
- Bomb Group:
- 452nd Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 729th Bomb Squadron
MACR: 2520 / KSU/ME/KU: 815
History of
B-17 42-37946 / The Worry Bird
Delivered Denver 23/10/43; Walla Walla 7/11/43; ass 729BS/452BG [M3- ] Deopham Green 3/1/44; MIA Frankfurt 8/2/44 Pilot: Earl Treux, Co-Pilot: Lt Col Herbert Wangeman, Navigator: Bill Sumner, Bombardier: Vince Lanigan, Radio Operator: Chas McCarthy, Ball Turret Gunner: Ed Kunis, Waist Gunner: Coleman Hill, Waist Gunner: Chas Monday, Tail Gunner: Lt Bill Crosman (9POW); Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: Arnold Pederson (EVD); mech fault #3, crew baled about 15 miles S of Le Havre, Fr. MACR 2520. THE WORRY BIRD.
Last updated: 30. May 2021
B-17 42-37946 / The Worry Bird Details
Circumstances of loss of aircraft:
No. 3 engine loss oil pressure. Could not stay with formation, because unable to feather prop. We were shot down by 4 fighters, 2 hrs after leaving formation. Were in sight of English Channel, 15 miles south of Le Havre, France, at the time of being shot down.
Following statement made by 1st Lt. Boris Slanin:
The pilot of aft B-17G 42-37946 signified by prearranged sigrel that he was leaving the formation and made a gradual diving turn to the left. The turn was approximately 180 degrees. At this time there was no apparent engine trouble and the aircraft was under control when last sighted.
Source: MACR 2520
B-17 42-37946 / The Worry Bird Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 1LT | Earl W. Truex | POW | - |
| CP | LTC | Herbert O. Wangeman | POW | - |
| NAV | 1LT | William E. Summer | POW | - |
| BOMB | 1LT | Vincent C. Lanigan | POW | - |
| ENG/TT | S/SGT | Arnold O. Pederson | EVD | - |
| RO | S/SGT | Charles J. McCarthy | POW | - |
| BT | S/SGT | Edward W. Kunis | POW | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Coleman B. Hill | POW | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Charles C. Monday | POW | - |
| TG | 2LT | William S. Crosman | POW | - |
29. May 2021 access_time 0:19
col wangeman’s name is spelt wrong .
worry bird was the plane, 42-37946.
Thank you .
30. May 2021 access_time 10:01
Thank you! I have updated the name and details of the loss.
07. December 2021 access_time 18:17
Col Wangeman’s B-17 crashed in Belgium.Herb was taken to stalag luft 1 , later he took part in “The Great Escape almost “with Col Luther Richmond (Ratsy) . this precedes the actual Great Escape.