Source:
www.388bg.info
| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Lockheed/Vega |
| Production-Block: | , B-17G-15-VE: 42-97436 to 42-97535 |
| Operational History | |
|---|---|
| Bomb Group: | , 388th Bomb Group |
| Bomb Squadron: | , 563rd Bomb Squadron |
| Fate: |
, Crashlanding, Battle damaged (05 January 1945) |
| Missions: | 71 |
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History of
B-17 42-97528 / Mary’s Sister
Delivered Cheyenne 13/12/43; Kearney 30/12/43; Grenier 29/1/44; Assigned: 563BS/388BG Knettishall 9/2/44; battle damage Frankfurt 5/1/45 Pilot: Jim Ruether, Co-Pilot: Ray Helminiak, Radio Operator: Ray Ward (3RTD ‘ all wia); Navigator: H.W. Swanson, togg-J. Haskett, Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: Fred Thielske, Ball Turret Gunner: Martin Smith, Waist Gunner: A.Kiss, Tail Gunner: Virgil Koon (6KIA); flak burst in heavy cloud and attempted to drop down for home, crash-landed RAF Hawkinge, Kent, UK; Salvaged. 6/1/45. MARY’S SISTER.
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B-17 42-97528 / Mary’s Sister Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 2LT | James F. Reuther | WIA | - |
| CP | 2LT | Raymond O. Helminiak | WIA | - |
| NAV | 2LT | Harold W. Swanson | KIA | - |
| ENG/TT | SGT | Frederick P. Thielke | KIA | - |
| RO | S/SGT | Raymond Ward | WIA | - |
| BT | SGT | Marlin H. Smith | KIA | - |
| WG | SGT | Albert C. Kiss | KIA | - |
| TG | SGT | Virgil E. Koon | KIA | - |
| TOG | SGT | James W. Haskett | KIA | - |
This page was last updated on 08 December 2018
17. November 2025 access_time 19:37
I am looking for additional information about 2LT Harold W Swanson KIA 1/5/1945. His son may have been adopted after his death and at 82 years old he would like some information about his father and a picture. Service # 0-2064730 Thank you.
09. January 2026 access_time 1:47
Ginny – My father, Raymond Helminiak, was co-pilot of Mary’s Sister during the final mission. I am producing a short documentary film about that final flight, in which Harold perished. My father didn’t speak much about that accident, as it haunted him for the most of his life. He only mentioned on thing about the navigator, Harold, which I’d be pleased to share with you. I have found no photos of him. Jon Helminiak