
Source:
www.fold3.com
Production-block:
B-17G-25-DL: 42-37989 to 42-38083
Manufacturer:
Douglas
- Bomb Group:
- 2nd Bomb Group
- 99th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 347th Bomb Squadron
- 429th Bomb Squadron
History of
B-17 42-38078 / Sweet Pea
Delivered Denver 6/12/43; Savannah 23/12/43; Assigned 347BS/99BG 7/1/44; 14m transferred 429BS/2BG Amendola 28/3/44; severe battle damaged Debreczen 21/9/44 with Guy Miller, Co-pilot: Tom Rybovich, Navigator: Theo Davich, Bombardier: Bob Mullen, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Jim MaguireWounded in Action, Radio Operator: Tony FerreraWounded in Action, Ball turret gunner: Bill Stueck (7 Returned to Duty); Waist gunner: Jim Totty,Tail gunner: Elmer Buss (2 Killed in Action); crash landed base and broke in half, then after repair aircraft was flown again by Miller 1/12/44; flown with Bill Morton 1/6/45 crash landed Bari, Italy, destroyed by fire. SWEET PEA.
Last updated: 3. April 2021
B-17 42-38078 / Sweet Pea Details

16. October 2019 access_time 6:19
I have a photo of the nose art of Sweet Pea since it was my father’s plane. There does not seem to be one on the web. If anyone is interested feel free to email me.
09. January 2020 access_time 20:39
I would be very interested in that picture. Can you send me a copy?
10. January 2020 access_time 20:52
I would love to see the nose art.My father in law,Robert G.Mumaw was on that plane.
16. January 2020 access_time 22:34
Hi,
My name is Debbie Rybovich. My dad is Tommie Rybovich, the co-pilot on the Sweet Pea. I would appreciate it if you could contact me by phone (561-543-4779) or send me an email at egdrker@gmail.com. I would be very interested in talking to you about the Sweet Pea, my dad and yours. Thanks much, Debbie
16. January 2020 access_time 22:36
Hi,
My name is Debbie Rybovich. My dad is Tommie Rybovich, the co-pilot on the Sweet Pea. I’d be very appreciative if you could send me any pictures you might have regarding the Sweet Pea and my dad and I would be happy to do the same regarding yours. Thanks, Debbie Rybovich
11. January 2020 access_time 11:40
Hello Guy,
I sent you an email.
Please check. Hope you see that.
Kind regards
Jing
23. March 2021 access_time 16:46
Good afternoon….I’m reading Masters of the Air and came upon the story behind “Sweet Pea”…Would you be kind enough to send me pictures of the nose art and aircraft and crew please? I understand from the book that there may also be a hand print on the aircraft from the child after which the bird was named.
V/r
Steve Pascuzzi
16. January 2020 access_time 22:31
Hi,
My dad is Tommie Rybovich, co-pilot of Sweet Pea. I would appreciate it if you could contact me and send me any pictures you have. Thanks, Debbie
11. September 2020 access_time 18:59
Hello, can anyone confirm whether Sweet Pea actually had the name painted on its nose or it was just a colloquial nickname among the crews? Thanks
12. September 2020 access_time 10:36
Hello Zoran,
here is a close up of the nose section.
https://b17flyingfortress.de/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/42-38078_closeup.jpg
A nose art is visible. So I believe it had painted on the plane.
12. September 2020 access_time 12:39
Thanks. Yes, the nose art based on the Popeye comics baby character was there, no doubt about that, but is there any photo evidence that the name “Sweet Pea” was actually painted on the plane? So far I haven’t seen any.
Best regards
26. September 2020 access_time 10:13
I can not clearly see the name on it.