B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-97454

History of
B-17 42-97454

Delivered: Denver 19/11/43; Gr Island 1/12/43; Presque Is 10/12/43; Assigned: 533BS/381BG [VP-U] Ridgewell 13/1/44; on mission to Augsburg 16/3/44 Pilot: Rudi Duncan, Waist Gunner: Bill Yanzek baled out when fire broke out in cockpit-POW); MIA {29m} Berlin 19/5/44 w/Earl Sharp, Co-Pilot: Dorance Garner, Bombardier: Francis Britenbaker, Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: Jarrett Schoepf, Radio Operator: Bill Suchy, Ball Turret Gunner: Merrill Pennybacker, Waist Gunner: Germany. ld Rutigliano, Tail Gunner: Follis Bratton (8POW); Navigator: Wayne Hardwick (KIA- chute failed); flak, crashed Adlig-Reetz, NE of Berlin, Ger; MACR 4932.

Last updated: 31. August 2018