B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-97084 / Spare Charlie

History of
B-17 42-97084 / Spare Charlie

Delivered Cheyenne 25/1/44; Gr Island 20/2/44; Presque Is 28/2/44; Assigned: 534BS/381BG [GD-H] Ridgewell 6/4/44; MIA Tingry-Abbeville 22/6/44 Pilot: Sam Peak, Co-Pilot: Bob Petroski, Navigator: John Lundberg, Bombardier: Allen Osterberg, Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: Murl Simmons, Radio Operator: Frank Welke, Ball Turret Gunner: Bob Scharff, Tail Gunner: Max Rockey (8KIA); Waist Gunner: Dick Oberlin (POW); direct flak KOd #2 & #3, followed by fire an explosion, crashed a mile W of Epagnette, two miles SE of Abbeville, Fr; MACR 5918. SPARE CHARLIE.

Last updated: 29. August 2020

B-17 42-97084 / Spare Charlie Details

While serving as Co-Pilot on aircraft B-17G 42-102968 I observed our lead aircraft 42-97084 had been hit by Flak in the Number 2 and 3 engine covering the Wing with Fire. It went into a loop out of control and began breaking up as it passed out of my view. No Parachutes were seen to come out.

Raymond C. Hollman
2LT., Air Corps

While serving as Navigtor on ship B-17G 42-102968 I observed our lead ship 42-97084 beeing hit by Flak on the Number 2 and 3 engine. The Wing was covered wiith flame. The ship then went into a dive and out of sight. No chutes were seen to come out.

Charles R. Neumeister
2LT., Air Corps

I was flying ship 42-102968 leading the Low Squadron of the Lead Group. We had just dropped our Bombs and the had not hit the Target when I noticed ship 42-97084 was hit in the Number 2 and 3 engine. Fire completely covered the wing. The ship then went into a loop and was breaking up when it passed over my ship. It went into a dive and passed out of view.

William K. White, Jr.
1LT., Air Corps

B-17 42-97084 / Spare Charlie Crew