Production-block:
B-17G-35-VE: 42-97836 to 42-97935
Manufacturer:
Lockheed/Vega
- Bomb Group:
- 390th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 570th Bomb Squadron
- RCL: DI-P
MACR: 8915 / KSU/ME/KU: 2873
History of
B-17 42-97871 / Bundles of Trouble
Delivered Tulsa 21/3/44; Hunter 12/5/44; Dow Fd 26/5/44; Assigned: 570BS/390BG [DI-P] Framlingham 27/5/44; MIA Dusseldorf 9/9/44 Pilot: Melvin Hobbie, Wilbur Collins, Calvin Straney, George Sempepes, Howard Liederbach, Jesus Porras, Henry Talbot, Bill Zeimerowski, Robert L. Schimdt (9KIA); flak hit in bomb bay, ship exploded, crashed Hubbelrath, Germany. MACR 8915. BUNDLES OF TROUBLE.
Last updated: 4. October 2020
B-17 42-97871 / Bundles of Trouble Details
A/C 871 received a direct hit by flak at target at 1033 hours, blowing up immediately. No chutes reported.
Source: MACR 8915
B-17 42-97871 / Bundles of Trouble Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 1LT | Melvin D. Hobbie | KIA | - |
| CP | 2LT | Wilburg H. Collins | KIA | - |
| NAV | 1LT | Calvin E. Straney | KIA | - |
| BOMB | 2LT | George N. Sempepes | KIA | - |
| ENG/TT | T/SGT | Howard A. Liederbach | KIA | - |
| RO | T/SGT | Jesus Porras | KIA | - |
| BT | S/SGT | Henry W. Talbot | KIA | - |
| WG | S/SGT | William W. Zeimerowski | KIA | - |
| TG | S/SGT | Robert L. Schimdt | KIA | - |
23. July 2019 access_time 21:17
My uncles name was jesus porras not perras
24. July 2019 access_time 0:09
Thank you! I have updated the name of your uncle.
18. September 2023 access_time 5:17
I contacted you many years ago.
10. November 2020 access_time 20:37
Are there any images of crew?
18. September 2023 access_time 5:18
I have photo of the plane and some crew pictures
07. June 2024 access_time 5:00
My uncle was the pilot of the Bundles of Trouble.
He was my mom’s oldest brother. I would greatly appreciate any pictures of the plane or its crew.
11. June 2024 access_time 21:00
I got your message and responded how to contact me.
11. June 2024 access_time 21:06
Steve, check with LaVeda Hobbie. I had sent her photos over 10 years ago.
18. April 2025 access_time 4:19
I have never heard of or met LaVeda Hobbies. She’s probably a distant relative, but have no idea who she is or where she lives. My uncle Melvin had one brother and two sisters. Kermit never married. Wilma had one daughter who is deceased. I am the closest living relative to Melvin. My mother gave me the same middle name, Dwight. Anything you can share would be appreciated. I would gladly reimburse you for any expense.
18. April 2025 access_time 4:44
Steve email me at wingsofdesire444@Hotmail.com
07. April 2021 access_time 21:37
My Grandfather was Nav 1st Lt C. Straney.
18. September 2023 access_time 5:16
Joseph I spoke to you by phone about 25 years ago I may have sent you a video. I requested a photo of your grandfather. Never got it
18. September 2023 access_time 5:17
let me know if you got my comment
18. September 2023 access_time 5:19
Joseph I spoke to you about 25 years ago I think I sent you a video and requested a picture of your grandfather I never received it.