Production-block:
B-17G-65-BO: 43-37509 to 43-37673
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 385th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 551st Bomb Squadron
Fate:
MACR: 7819
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History of
B-17 43-37663 / Rusty Load
Delivered Cheyenne 9/5/44; Hunter 21/5/44; Grenier 1/6/44; Assigned: 551BS/385BG [HR- ] Gt Ashfield 7/6/44; MIA Merseburg 29/7/44 Pilot: A.L. Benefield (POW); Dick Barry, Herb Kozel, Leon Davidson, Calvin Winwright, Ed McGrath, Harry Crouse, Harry McCarthy, Chas Campbell (8KIA); flak, crashed Bloesien, Germany. MACR 7819.
Last updated: 31. August 2018
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11. January 2022 access_time 0:25
My Dad, A.L. Benefield Jr. was the Pilot of “Rusty Load” when the Flying Fortress was shot down by AA fire on his 17th bombing mission over Merseburg. He was a POW until liberated by Patton’s 3rd army in April, 1945. He survived the war and lived his life until his death in 2009. My younger Brother Barry, his second Son, is named for his Co-Pilot, Dick Barry. Throughout his life he always remembered his service to our country and his air crew. A true warrior! May he rest in eternal peace.
11. January 2022 access_time 11:01
Hi Alan,
I’m researching USAAF crashes in the Leipzig-Merseburg region and also the Flak (AA) defense in same area. Would love to hear from you! My E-Mail: c2 (at) strs.de Thanks. Stephan