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Source:
www.fold3.com
Production-block:
B-17G-45-BO: 42-97173 to 42-97435
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 91st Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 323rd Bomb Squadron
- RCL: OR-C
MACR: 7806 / KSU/ME/KU: 2603
Missions: 50
History of
B-17 42-97304 / Priority Gal
Delivered Cheyenne 16/2/44; Gr Island 5/3/44; Grenier 20/3/44; Assigned 323BS/91BG [OR-C] Bassingbourn 1/4/44; Missing in Action {50m} Munich 31/7/44 with Henry Supchak, Co-pilot: John Karlac, Navigator: Telson Fineman, Bombardier: Wilson Leahy, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Tony Skorpik, Radio Operator: Luigi Lentini, Ball turret gunner: Guy La Rocco, Waist gunner: Lewis Wetzel,Tail gunner: Bill Shepheard (9 Prisoner of War); flak hits in #1 & #2, and dropped back and headed for Switzerland but crashed Pinnistal, SW of Innsbruck, Aus.; Missing Air Crew Report 7806. PRIORITY GAL.
Last updated: 4. October 2020
B-17 42-97304 / Priority Gal Details
Eyewitness Statements to the loss of B-17G 42-97304 / Priority Gal
Our aircraft was flying on the right wing of aircraft 42-97304. Over the target (Munich) subject aircraft was apparently hit by flak in the No. 1 engine. His No. 2 engine was smoking. He feathered No. 1 engine but it would not remain in that condition. He lost considerable air speed, holding back a flight of three aircraft. Our aircraft left subject aircraft and caught up with formation.
Subject aircraft had dropped down to about 18000 or 20000 feet at the tops of the clouds.
When last seen A/C 42-97304 had turned in the general direction of South appeared to be under control on three engines. No parachutes were seen to leave subject aircraft.
1Lt. Oscar J. Snow
323rd Bomb Sq.
Directly over the target (Munich) aircraft B-17-G, 42-97304, was hit in the No. 1 engine by flak. It started smoking. We traveled with him on the same heading for about 3 minutes past the target. We made a gradual left turn. We were indicating about 130 MPH and were about 2 miles behind the formation. He gave no indication or leaving our group. We stopped up to catch the formation and being on the watch for enemy fighters, reported to be in the area, we lost sight of A/C 42-97304. He was last seen at about 27000 feet, at a position of approximately 48:40N – 11:35E. When last seen subject aircraft appeared to be under control and losing altitude gradually. No. 1 engine was feathered.
No parachutes were seen to leave subject aircraft.
2Lt. Charles C. Funke, Jr.
323rd Bomb Sq.
Source: MACR 7806
B-17 42-97304 / Priority Gal Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 1LT | Henry W. Supchak | POW | - |
| CP | 1LT | John S. Karlac | POW | - |
| NAV | 2LT | Telson J. Fineman | POW | - |
| BOMB | 1LT | Wilson Leahy | POW | - |
| ENG/TT | T/SGT | Anthony J. Skorpik | POW | - |
| RO | T/SGT | Luigi L. Lentini | POW | - |
| BT | S/SGT | Guy W. La Rocco | POW | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Lewis F. Wetzel | POW | - |
| TG | S/SGT | Willam C. Shepherd | POW | - |
29. May 2021 access_time 21:55
HI Just to let you know that the picture and names of the Priority Gal are incorrect for the pilot. My dad, Frank Joseph Brennan, was the pilot and he is sitting in the far left front of this picture. I have the same photo of him. He was the pilot of Priority Gal. I also have access to his flight map over France & Germany and dates of his flights.