B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 43-37821 / Red Hot Mama

History of
B-17 43-37821 / Red Hot Mama

Delivered Cheyenne 25/5/44; Kearney 4/6/44; Grenier 17/6/44; Assigned 711BS/447BG Rattlesden 20/6/44; 710BG; Missing in Action Berlin 6/10/44 with Vladimir Mateyka, Keith McCall, Lou Sobolof, Virgil Ethridge, Tony Carnesi, Laverne Pratt, Gene Schmidt, John Simpson, Tom Davis (9 Prisoner of War); enemy aircraft, ditched North Sea. Missing Air Crew Report 9779. RED HOT MAMA.

Last updated: 20. March 2021

B-17 43-37821 / Red Hot Mama Details

It is believed that aircraft 43-37821 suffered damage (unknown) at the RP (5220N – 1248E) at about 1225 hours. The 4B Wing, which had been under heavy fighter attack, joined the 4A Wing, and with the addition of these aircraft the condition and exact location of aircraft 821 was not noted. The wing leader tried to contact 821 without success. At 1400 hours, flying control at 3rd Division reported hearing from aircraft 821 and gave its position as 5407N – 0800E at that time. Air Sea Rescue was notified by 3rd Division. No other information has been vouchsafed.

Source: MACR 9779

B-17 43-37821 / Red Hot Mama Crew