| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Lockheed/Vega |
| Production-Block: | , B-17G-40-VE: 42-97936 to 42-98035 |
| Operational History | |
|---|---|
| Bomb Group: | , 96th Bomb Group |
| Bomb Squadron: | , 338th Bomb Squadron |
| RCL | BX-B |
| Fate: |
, Battle damaged (29 July 1944) |
History of
B-17 42-97978 / Gin Rickey
Delivered Dallas 21/4/44; Hunter 30/5/44; Grenier 12/6/44; Assigned 338BS/96BG [BX-B] Snetterton 16/6/44; on training mission 9/7/44 with Chas Braithwaite, Co-pilot: Jim Graham, obs-Sam Massey, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Jerome St John, Radio Operator: Rich Ingram (5 Returned to Duty); aircraft damaged in rough landing, but no injuries; battle damaged Merseburg 29/7/44 with Bob Lyle, Navigator: Roger Kellogg, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Walter KozLowski (3 Killed in Action); Co-pilot: Leigh Mann {inj}, Bombardier: Joe Loudermilk, Radio Operator: Chas Terry, Ball turret gunner: Cliff Eastburn, Waist gunner: Clair Williams,Tail gunner: Don Sheldon (6 Returned to Duty); enemy aircraft and flak KO’d #3 & #4 then fire broke out, crashed NW of base, Salvaged 30/7/44. GIN RICKEY.
This page was last updated on 18 August 2017
27. December 2017 access_time 4:20
Does anyone have a picture of a B-17, tail number 42-97978, called “Gin Rickey” if so please contact me. Thank you
26. May 2019 access_time 23:37
My dad, Joe Loudermilk was the Bombardier, on GIN RICKEY. I have a photo. She doesn’t look good. It’s a photo after the crash at Snetterton Heath, July 29, 1945.
27. May 2019 access_time 6:50
Hello Joe, thank you for the comment. Do you want to share the photo with me and my web site?
21. January 2023 access_time 7:14
Joe, my friends dad as the tail gunner when Gin Rickey crashed. I’m wanting to make a model as a gift. Could I see that photo? Thanks
03. December 2019 access_time 22:36
Are there any published pictures of the Gin Rickey. My Uncle Walter was the top gunner killed on 07/29/44. I have his military photo in flight attire, but no others. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated.
06. February 2023 access_time 7:58
I recently got 2 of the crash. do you have any sort of diary of the bombers adventures?
29. May 2023 access_time 15:03
Hello Matt, Would you be willing to share the photos of the Gin Rickey ? My Uncle Walter was the top gunner.
29. May 2023 access_time 15:08
Hello Matt, Would you be willing to share the photos ? My Uncle Walter was the top gunner.
08. June 2023 access_time 2:26
Henry, I would be happy to share with you. What email address would you like me to send them to? They are post crash unfortunatly.
24. October 2025 access_time 15:05
My e mail is henrysuekoz@aol.com. Sorry for the delay — life…
04. February 2024 access_time 17:39
My great uncle was lieutenant, Lyle, looking for any information or pictures that anyone can share, particularly crew-members or the plane. My son is a cadet in the Air Force and trying to do some research. Much thanks!