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Source:
www.457thbombgroup.org
Production-block:
B-17G-65-BO: 43-37509 to 43-37673
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 457th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 750th Bomb Squadron
- RCL: J
MACR: 11334 / KSU/ME/KU: 3470
History of
B-17 43-37567 / Willie III
Delivered Cheyenne 30/4/44; Gt Falls 3/5/44; Kearney 3/6/44; Grenier 18/6/44; Assigned 750BS/457BG [J] Glatton 29/6/44; Missing in Action Merseburg 12/12/44 with Montell Higgins (Killed in Action); Co-pilot: Bill Bell, Navigator: John McCaughan, Bombardier: Harry Harstedt, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Frank Winder, Radio Operator: Fred Lawyer, Ball turret gunner: Phil Porter, Waist gunner: Russ Perry,Tail gunner: Bill Smigielski (9 Prisoner of War); flak, crashed Sensweiler, Ger; Missing Air Crew Report 11334. WILLIE III.
Last updated: 9. January 2022
B-17 43-37567 / Willie III Details
No damage was noticed to aircraft. It was flying lead in the low squadron and appeared to be having difficulty maintaining speed and altitude, causing the whole squadron to fall behind. It was flying at an atrspeed of only 130 miles per hour and was losing altitude. Several witnesses said all four engines were turning. One witness reported number 4 engine feathered. Aircraft was not out of control.
Source: MACR 11334
B-17 43-37567 / Willie III Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 1LT | Montell C. Higgins | KIA | - |
| CP | 2LT | William M. Bell jr. | POW | - |
| NAV | 1LT | John O. McCaughan | POW | - |
| BOMB | 2LT | Harold F. Harstedt | POW | - |
| ENG/TT | T/SGT | Francis J. Winder | POW | - |
| RO | T/SGT | Fred E. Lawyer | POW | - |
| BT | S/SGT | Philip G. Porter | POW | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Russell A. Perry | POW | - |
| TG | S/SGT | Bill C. Smigielski | POW | - |
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