B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 42-97578

History of
B-17 42-97578

Delivered Denver 28/12/43; 1SAG Langley 24/1/44; Assigned: 482BG (H2S) Alconbury 5/2/44; Transferred: 422BS/305BG [JJ-N] Chelveston 20/3/44; crash: takeoff as pathfinder crew to fly from Deenethorpe for Schweinfurt 24/3/44 Pilot: Bill Sellers, Co-Pilot: Jack George, Navigator: Chas Leake, Bombardier: Dave Rementeria, mickey op-Meyer Silber, Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: Don Parrish, Radio Operator: Jesse Lehr, Ball Turret Gunner: Ken Mace, Waist Gunner: Lloyd Judd, Tail Gunner: Dale Rishell, asst CC-Cpl Joe Grugnale (11KIA). Aircraft failed to reach flying speed crashed at Yielden, Beds, hitting barracks of 876th ChemCo, killing seven men: Frank Amato, Mike Arato, Seb Attilio, Arnold Chipoletti, Ed Dell, Bill Dickerson, Nills Johnson, Bob McClain, with nearby cottage also destroyed in the explosion, injuring Mr & Mrs Phillips, but killing their two children. The church, rectory and other village buildings were damaged. Salvaged.

Last updated: 13. February 2019