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Production-block:
B-17G-80-BO: 43-38074 to 43-38273
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 398th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 601st Bomb Squadron
- RCL: 3O-P
History of
B-17 43-38172 / Lovely Julie
Delivered Cheyenne 3/7/44; Kearney 12/7/44; Dow Fd 20/7/44; Assigned 601BS/398BG [3O-P] Nuthampstead 13/8/44; battle damaged Cologne 15/10/44 with Lawrence DeLancey, Co-pilot: Phil Stahlman, Navigator: Ray LeDoux, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Ben Ruckel, Radio Operator: Wendell Reed, Ball turret gunner: Al Albro, Waist gunner: Russ Lachman,Tail gunner: Herb Guild (8 Returned to Duty). Salvaged Abbotts Ripton 2 SAD. LOVELY JULIE.
Last updated: 18. July 2020
B-17 43-38172 / Lovely Julie Details
The aircraft was hit by flak after bombs away, then a shell exploded in the nose killing toggler/bombardier. Sgt George Abbott and destroying almost all instruments, including oxygen and blowing off almost the entire nose. DeLancey dropped to lower altitude still under fire, and a sub-zero gale blowing through the fuselage, he managed to bring his battered ship home, making a safe landing despite no brakes.
B-17 43-38172 / Lovely Julie Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 1LT | Lawrence M. DeLancey | RTD | - |
| CP | 1LT | Phillip H. Stahlman | RTD | - |
| NAV | 2LT | Raymond J. LeDoux | RTD | - |
| ENG/TT | T/SGT | Benjamin H. Ruckel | RTD | - |
| RO | T/SGT | Wendell A. Reed | RTD | - |
| BT | S/SGT | Albert Albro | RTD | - |
| WG | T/SGT | Russell A. Lachman | RTD | - |
| TG | S/SGT | Herbert D. Guild | RTD | - |
| TOG | S/SGT | George E. Abbott | KIA | Togglier |
05. November 2022 access_time 0:16
Ray LeDoux was my uncle and talked a little about the mission. I was one of the few he talked to about the mission as I had already was planning to enlist in the Navy with my choice of duty being brown water navy, Vietnam. He talked about the stresses of combat and what to expect. After returning from Vietnam, everything he said was pretty much on target. Yet until Nov 4, 2022, I never knew he got the Distinguished Flying Cross until my brother sent me an article telling the story of ‘Lovely Julie’.. Some things remain untold.
12. December 2022 access_time 15:24
Really cool! Thanks for sharing, and thanks to both of you for serving!
21. January 2023 access_time 17:28
je cherche la pinup du lovely julie. photos avant ??? merci thanks