Production-block:
B-17F-35-BO: 42-5079 to 42-5149
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 331st Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 461st Bomb Squadron
Fate:
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History of
B-17 42-5102
Delivered Geiger 25/9/42; Assigned 461BS/331BG Casper 23/10/42; crashed 25 miles north Glenrock, WY with Lewis Machala due to poor weather (crew Killed in Service) 25/2/43; Written off 16/3/43.
Last updated: 18. October 2021
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B-17 42-5102 Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 2LT | Louis E. Machala, Jr. | KIS | - |
| CP | 2LT | Ned J. DeVries | KIS | - |
| NAV | 2LT | Harry M. Cannon | KIS | - |
| BOMB | 2LT | Joseph N. Hershman | KIS | - |
| ENG/TT | S/SGT | John W. Madden, Jr | KIS | - |
| RO | S/SGT | Alfred W. Fuller | KIS | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Robert C. Parrott, Jr. | KIS | - |
| TG | SGT | James C. Fisher | KIS | - |
| --- | S/SGT | John F. Elson | KIS | ENG |
| --- | S/SGT | Eugene “Gene” Giles | KIS | RO |
14. April 2021 access_time 5:17
The crash site location of 42-5102 has been a mystery for many decades. Using terrain as a guide, the site was found on Saturday, April 10, 2021. Wreckage is typically very small and scattered over a wide area. Nothing would suggest it’s a B-17, or even an airplane to most casual observers. We are looking for relatives of the crew for a memorial service in 2022.
14. October 2021 access_time 5:04
Hello, and thank you for all the great information on your web site. Staff Sergeant Gene Giles was my cousin. From time to time, our family members have talked about flying to Wyoming to see the museum and possibly visit the crash site, but we had no idea how to find it. It’s great to hear the site was located and a memorial service might happen next year. We would be interested in learning more about possible dates in 2022 for a ceremony to honor these heroes.
– Mark Perry, Zionsville, Indiana
USAAF 2nd AF 331st BG 461st Sq – AAB, Casper, Wyoming
B-17F Flying Fortress; 42-5102 “The Casper Kid”
2nd Lt. Louis E. Machala, Jr; Pilot – Houston Texas
2nd Lt. Ned J. DeVries; Co-Pilot – Medford, Oregon
2nd Lt. Harry M. Cannon, Navigator – Columbiana, Ohio
2nd Lt. Joseph N. Hershman, Bombardier – Beverly Hills, California
S/Sgt. John W. Madden, Jr; 1st Engineer – Owensville, Indiana
S/Sgt. John F. Elson, Engineer – Waynesburg, Ohio
S/Sgt. Alfred W. Fuller; 1st Radio Operator/Gunner – Southwick, Massachusetts
S/Sgt. Eugene D Giles, Jr; Radio Operator/Gunner – Lafayette, Indiana
S/Sgt. Robert C. Parrott, Jr; Gunner – Modesto, California
Sgt James C. Fisher; Tail Gunner – Charlotte, North Carolina
18. October 2021 access_time 16:03
Hello Mark,
thank you for the comment and the crew list.
I have updated the crew list.
I also informed Mark Milliken about your comment.
I hope he will response.
Cheers
Jing
11. July 2022 access_time 16:31
The Machala crew memorial service will be 10 AM, July 23 at the crash site. The WY ANG will conduct full military funeral. The crew monument is located on Ross Road, off highway 93, about 25 miles NW of Douglas, WY.
11. July 2022 access_time 16:41
All Machala crew relatives, veterans, and other interested in honoring fallen heroes are welcome to attend the funeral service on July 23, 2022. Contact Mark Milliken for an information sheet. Millikenmark99@gmail.com.
11. November 2021 access_time 7:56
My name is Brandon Sivek. Pilot Louis E. Machala was my Great Cousin. I still have his possessions from his time in service. I have corresponded with Mark through e-mail. I would very much like to attend the memorial service.
26. September 2022 access_time 3:39
Brandon please contact Mark Milliken by Email. Thanks.
01. May 2023 access_time 3:44
A military funeral service was held for the Machala crew in July, 2022.
The Wyoming National Guard conducted a military funeral with a flag folding.
Over the past year, volunteers with the Friends of the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum have attempted to donate the flag to a living relative, with no luck.
On May 12, 2023, the flag will be entrusted to the people of Converse County by way of the Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum. The event will be at 11:30 at the Converse County Roads and Bridges shop. A remembrance of the crew will be conducted, and refreshments served. Contact Mark Milliken at millikenmark99@gmail.com to rsvp.