| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Boeing |
| Production-Block: | , B-17F-40-BO: 42-5150 to 42-5249 |
| Operational History | |
|---|---|
| Bomb Group: | , 305th Bomb Group |
| Bomb Squadron: | , 364th Bomb Squadron |
| RCL | WF-E |
| MACR | 15592 |
| Fate: |
, Lost by enemy aircraft (04 April 1943) |
History of
B-17 42-5232 / Available Jones
Delivered Tulsa 18/10/42; Presque Is 26/11/42; Assigned: 364BS/305BG [WF-E] Chelveston 13/12/42; MIA Paris 4/4/43 Pilot: Morris Jones, Co-Pilot: Ed Logan, Navigator: Homer Mohr, Bombardier: Bob Fabec, Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: Bill Johnson, Waist Gunner: Miles Cooley, Waist Gunner: Allen Fitzgerald (7POW); Radio Operator: Jack Luehrs, Ball Turret Gunner: Ed Mescher (2KIA); Tail Gunner: John Hollenbeck (EVD); shot down by Hptm Galland (II/JG26), crashed Le Vaudreil, near Les Angelys, 15 miles S of Rouen, Fr. MACR 15592. AVAILABLE JONES.
Information may include corrections and additions based on Jing’s research.
B-17 42-5232 / Available Jones Details
Shot down by Wilhelm-Ferdinand “Wutz” Galland – Brother of Adolf Galland. Wutz also shot down B-17 #42-5146 on that day. These B-17s was his 36th and 37th claims.
B-17 42-5232 / Available Jones Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 1LT | Morris M. Jones | EVD | - |
| CP | 1LT | Edward T. Logan | POW | - |
| NAV | 1LT | Homer H. Mohr | EVD | - |
| BOMB | 1LT | Robert Fabec | POW | - |
| ENG/TT | SGT | William H. Johnson | POW | - |
| RO | T/SGT | Jack O. Luehrs | POW | - |
| BT | S/SGT | Edward C. Mescher | KIA | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Miles L. Cooley | POW | - |
| WG | SGT | Allen M. Fitzgerald | POW | - |
| TG | SGT | John G. Hollenbeck | EVD | - |
This page was last updated on 22 May 2021
25. February 2024 access_time 3:00
My father was the Top Turret Gunner, Bill Johnson, on the Available Jones. I wanted to see if anyone has any photos of the Available Jones and the crew. Thanks in advance. —Mark
09. March 2024 access_time 21:44
My father was Morris M. Jones the pilot in command of Available Jones. I would be interested in getting in touch with you via email. I do have some photographs. Not sure if I have one of the complete crew for the B17? I would love to have one if anyone reading this email. Also, interested in any information that I may not have.
Marilyn
09. March 2024 access_time 22:55
Mark, I just remembered I have a photo of the complete crew and Dad wrote down the position each individual on the photo. Please let me know if that is what you would like.
Marilyn
08. April 2024 access_time 4:54
Hi Marilyn, I apologize for not responding sooner to your last message. Yes, I would like to get a copy of the photo your Dad had of the plane and crew. That would be fantastic. Thanks in advance!
Mark
09. April 2024 access_time 4:39
Hi Marilyn, Hope you’re doing well. I apologize if you’re getting this message twice. Yes, I’d like a copy of your Dad’s photo with the whole crew. That would be great!
Mark
11. April 2024 access_time 21:06
Hi Mark,
I am unable to find your email address and if you reply to my address I will send you a photo of the crew for Available Jones. It lists the flight crew position above the heads of each individual.
Please reply to:
marilynkelrod@gmail.com
09. April 2024 access_time 6:07
I just read this information and anyone of you that asked for the crew picture, I am more than willing to send it to you via email. I need to go through pictures and information regarding my father. I will send the crew picture that dad wrote each persons name above them. Please contact me at my email address. marilynkelrod@gmail.com
31. March 2024 access_time 21:05
Marilyn, my dad was the bombardier on the Available Jones. We’ve been trying to locate pic of the crew with the plane. If you could share it, we’ld greatly appreciate it. Bob
11. April 2024 access_time 21:03
I just found the crew photo for “Available Jones.” If you would like me to email you the photo, please send me your email address. The other photo is the ball turret, my father, and co-pilot standing in front of the nose of the B-17.
I was not able to find you email address.
Marilyn Jones Elrod
11. April 2024 access_time 21:13
Hi Robert, my grandfather was the top turret gunner on Available Jones with your father and Marilyns. My father is also on this comment thread, funny enough but would be happy to share our photos too. Interestingly enough, we have the first hand account from my grandfather’s perspective during the April 4th 1943 mission and was wondering if you had your father’s account by chance? The only other ones I have read are from Allen Fitzgerald and Jack Luehrs. Happy to share his as well. My email is johnson.m.william@gmail.com. Thank you.
17. April 2024 access_time 23:25
I will be happy to share what stories my father told me about formation of 305 bg, missions and pow camp
20. April 2024 access_time 18:36
Hello, I am French and I use the translator. The bb-17 available jones fell near my home in Vaudreuil in France
20. April 2024 access_time 18:45
Hello, I am French and I use the translator. The bb-17 available jones fell near my home in Vaudreuil in France.jean-francois.carbonnet@orange.fr
30. May 2025 access_time 3:06
Hi all! I have spoken to Marilyn and she is so wonderful. I am the wife of Homer Mohr’s (navigator) step-grandson. I have been really interested in uncovering Homer’s history and possibly piecing together his movements after being shot down and eventually being captured and relocated to Stalag. As a gift to my husband and MIL (Homer’s stepdaughter) , I have been researching and trying to find any and all stories, anecdotes, etc about his time with Available Jones. It so happens that for about a month longer I will be ok Savannah, GA, home of the the Museum of the Mighty Eighth. I am more than happy to do research via the museum if anyone would like (hopefully in exchange for Homer Mohr info but mostly because I am so fascinated by the crew and their bravery). My email is marissa.r.atchison@gmail.com so please feel free to email me!
28. June 2025 access_time 15:55
Dear Marilyn,
I’m researching information regarding the Available Jones while it was with the 305th Bomb Group as my grandfather had listed it, in his own hand writing, as an airplane he flew his 5th combat mission on during his time with the 305th BG.
I’ve just emailed you.
I look forward to your reply and am glad I found this B-17 documented here.
My best,
Colin Higgins