B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-97290 / Smilin’ Sandy Sanchez

History of
B-17 42-97290 / Smilin’ Sandy Sanchez

Delivered Cheyenne 15/2/44; Kearney 27/2/44; Presque Is 11/3/44; Assigned 398BG Nuthampstead 22/4/44; transferred 334BS/95BG [BG-H] Horham 28/4/44; 23m Missing in Action Berlin 19/5/44 with Capt Bill Waltman, Co-pilot: Wayne McCallon, Navigator: Henry Robertson, Bombardier: Jim Fournier, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Dale Gossman, Radio Operator: Harry Myers, Ball turret gunner: Russ Brainard, Waist gunner: Jim Coppage, Waist gunner: Winfred Wright,Tail gunner: Albt Faust (10INT); suffered battle damage and crash landed Akesholm, Sweden. Missing Air Crew Report 4928. SMILIN’ SANDY SANCHEZ. (Named after a so called tail gunner.)

Last updated: 30. April 2024

B-17 42-97290 / Smilin’ Sandy Sanchez Details

Correct statement of facts obtained from the S-2 files:

B-17G 42-97290, piloted by Capt. William S. Waltman, was first seen to be dropping back of the formation as the group was leaving the target, the cause of which was unknown. At 1505 hours a call was received over the radio stating the ship was under control but losing altitude. The final contact was made about fifty (50) miles north of Berlin.

Source: MACR 4928

B-17 42-97290 / Smilin’ Sandy Sanchez Crew