| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Lockheed/Vega |
| Production-Block: | , B-17G-5-VE: 42-39858 to 42-39957 |
| Operational History | |
|---|---|
| Bomb Group: | , 452nd Bomb Group |
| Bomb Squadron: | , 729th Bomb Squadron |
| RCL | M3-D |
| MACR | 4449 |
| KSU/ME/KU: | 1680 |
| Fate: |
, Lost by flak/aa-fire (29 April 1944) |
History of
B-17 42-39920 / Karen B
Delivered: Long Beach 8/10/43; Walla Walla 9/11/43; ass 729BS/452BG [M3-D] Deopham Green 6/1/44; MIA Berlin 29/4/44 Pilot: Hal Nelson, Co-Pilot: Chas Ramlow, Bombardier: Phil Cavanaugh, Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: Mike Dencavage, Waist Gunner: Vic Ryczko (5EVD); Navigator: Noyes Richey, Ball Turret Gunner: Bob Zercher (2KIA); Radio Operator: George Paulk, Waist Gunner: Don Jackson, Tail Gunner: Floyd Ragsdale (3POW); flak, crash-landed Feller, near Ruurlo, Holl. MACR 4449. KAREN B.
Information may include corrections and additions based on Jing’s research.
B-17 42-39920 / Karen B Details
Following statement obtained by S-2 Section, 452nd Bomb Group at interrogation after mission:
Aircraft B-17G 42-39920 was damaged by flak over the target and was last observed after the Group had left the target area, straggling behind, the formation under control along with Aircraft B-17G 42-39981 also missing, and flying low lust above the undercast. Contact with other Groups for further information regarding the disposition of these two Aircrafts has been unsuccessful. No further information concerning loss of Aircraft B-17G 42-39920 has been reported.
Source: MACR 4449
B-17 42-39920 / Karen B Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 2LT | Hal J. Nelson | EVD | - |
| CP | 2LT | Charles F. Ramlow | EVD | - |
| NAV | 2LT | Moyas Richey | KIA | - |
| BOMB | 2LT | Philip B. Cavanaugh | EVD | - |
| ENG/TT | S/SGT | Michael Dencavage | EVD | - |
| RO | S/SGT | George P. Paulk | POW | - |
| BT | SGT | Robert W. Zercher | KIA | - |
| WG | SGT | Don E. Jackson | POW | - |
| WG | T/SGT | Victor A. Ryczko | EVD | - |
| TG | SGT | Flyod E. Ragsdale | POW | - |
This page was last updated on 18 June 2022
22. February 2026 access_time 1:24
My maternal grandfather is Hal J. Nelson (2LT, pilot). My mother (Hal’s daughter) and I are planning a pilgrimage to the site of where he was hidden by the resistance and where he belly landed the Karen B. We are hoping to connect with any family members from the family that hid him for 8 months. So exciting!!