| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Boeing |
| Production-Block: | , B-17G-70-BO: 43-37674 to 43-37873 |
| Delievered: | Cheyenne |
| Operational History | |
|---|---|
| Bomb Group: | , 447th Bomb Group |
| Bomb Squadron: | , 710th Bomb Squadron |
| RCL: | A |
| MACR: | 10756 |
| Fate: |
, Lost by flak/aa-fire (25 November 1944) |
| Missions: | 36 |
History of
B-17 43-37869 / Blonde Bomber
Delivered Cheyenne 31/5/44; Kearney 9/6/44; Grenier 28/6/44; Assigned: 710BS/447BG Rattlesden 29/6/44; MIA Merseburg 25/11/44 Pilot: Harry Blair, John Bante, Valentine Villanueva, Leo Wolfe, Jack Peterson, Ed Todd (6POW); Chas Voyles, Ken Perry, Art Litchfield (3KIA); flak, crashed Pretzsch, 12 km south of Weißenfels [29 km south-south-west of Merseburg], Germany. MACR 10756. BLONDE BOMBER.
Information may include corrections and additions based on Jing’s research.
B-17 43-37869 / Blonde Bomber Details
This aircraft was hit by flak over the target. Fire in #3 engine which was extinguished. Aircraft then lost altitude and fell behind the formation. Last seen between target and RP [Ralley Point] under control.
Source: MACR 10756
B-17 43-37869 / Blonde Bomber Crew
| Position | Rank | Name (First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name) | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 2LT | Harry W. Blair | POW | - |
| CP | F/O | Charles S. Voyles | KIA | - |
| NAV | 2LT | John D. Bante | POW | - |
| BOMB | F/O | Kenneth G. Perry | KIA | - |
| ENG/TT | SGT | Valentine Villanueva | POW | - |
| RO | SGT | Arthur L. Litchfield | KIA | - |
| BT | SGT | Leo Wolfe | POW | - |
| WG | SGT | Jack C. Peterson | POW | - |
| TG | SGT | Edward H. Todd | POW | - |
This page was last updated on 20 June 2026
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24. July 2020 access_time 4:32
My Father was Leo Wolfe, the ball turret gunner. I wonder if any of those who survived are alive today and would provide me with any information they remember about my Father, please. Thanks.
28. September 2022 access_time 16:04
Jack Peterson was my Uncle. His oldest son, James Christian Peterson is still alive, but his father Jack passed in 1996. I am currently writing a short story about Jack and his first and only flight as a left side waist gunner. Jack told me his story in 1977. He never recovered from what he experienced as a POW. They were so young. Feel free to reach out to me. John Peterson: johnjdp@comcast.net
13. April 2026 access_time 13:23
My Uncle was Jack Peterson. He was the waist gunner on the Blonde Bomber B-17g, that your father was on. Jack’s two son’s and one daughter are still alive, as his one of his wives. Jack told me his WWII story and about being shot down and becoming a POW. I have written his story and provided it to his family. Feel free to contact me, via email; johnjdp@comcast.net
16. April 2026 access_time 21:03
Crashed Pretzsch (Weissenfels), KU report 3359.
16. April 2026 access_time 21:25
PS shot down by 2nd, 4th ,5th battery of heavy flak unit 132,
20. June 2026 access_time 3:43
The MACR lists Villanueva, Valentine (NMI) as the Top Turret/Eng position. Not Valentine Williams as noted above.
01. July 2026 access_time 18:50
Yes, the German KU report as well. Villanueva.