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Production-block:
B-17G-10-VE: 42-39958 to 42-40057
Manufacturer:
Lockheed/Vega
- Bomb Group:
- 452nd Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 731st Bomb Squadron
- RCL: 7D-K
MACR: 4820 / KSU/ME/KU: 1827
History of
B-17 42-39976 / My Achin’ Back
Delivered Long Beach 23/10/43; Walla Walla 9/11/43; Assigned 731BS/452BG [7D-K] Deopham Green 31/12/43; Missing in Action Brux 12/5/45 with Claud Martin, Co-pilot: Leon Eichenbaum, Navigator: Ward Miller, Bombardier: Bill Thompson, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: John Niechniedowicz, Radio Operator: Bob Pinneo, Ball turret gunner: Jack Kimble, Waist gunner: Larry Laurie, Waist gunner: Mike Kutago,Tail gunner: Henry Pruett (10 Prisoner of War); mech fault in #2, crash landed Koegen, near Neckar, Ger. Missing Air Crew Report 4820. MY ACHIN’ BACK.
Last updated: 9. January 2026
B-17 42-39976 / My Achin’ Back Details
This aircraft left formation at approx. 5013N-1339E under control with number 2 engine feathered. Dropped bombs and headed south.
Source: 4820
B-17 42-39976 / My Achin’ Back Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 2LT | Claude C. Martin | POW | - |
| CP | 2LT | Leonard Eichenbaum | POW | - |
| NAV | 2LT | Ward K. Miller | POW | - |
| BOMB | 2LT | William E. Thompson | POW | - |
| ENG/TT | T/SGT | John Niechniedowicz | POW | - |
| RO | T/SGT | Robert E. Pinneo | POW | - |
| BT | S/SGT | Jack M. Kimble | POW | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Lawrence J. Laurie | POW | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Michael Kutago | POW | - |
| TG | S/SGT | Harry Pruett | POW | - |
30. December 2025 access_time 23:34
I have two pictures of the machine that landed in a field in Köngen