B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 43-38234 / Easy Does It

History of
B-17 43-38234 / Easy Does It

Delivered Cheyenne 11/7/44; Kearney 19/7/44; Dow Fd 3/8/44; Assigned 322BS/91BG [LG-E] Bassingbourn 18/8/44; Missing in Action {27m} Berlin 5/12/44 with Don Freer, Co-pilot: Joe Gallagher, Navigator: Harry Lasch, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Oscar Stillman, Radio Operator: Roy Tanner, Ball turret gunner: Tony Tacinelli,Tail gunner: Larry Schenk (7 Prisoner of War); tog-Joe Sanchez, Waist gunner: Borge Kellstrom (2 Killed in Action); flak hit #3 and blew off cowl, dropped away and crashed Templin, Ger; Missing Air Crew Report 11036. EASY DOES IT.

Last updated: 30. June 2021

B-17 43-38234 / Easy Does It Details

Eyewitness Statement to the loss of B-17 #43-38234

We were over the target, just at bombs away, altitude approximately 19000 feet, when I observed aircraft B-17G 43-38234, to be hit by flak in the No. 3 engine. It appeared to me that the entire nose of the engine was knocked off. I could see no windmilling prop and I presume that it also fell off. The aircraft dropped about 75 feet below us and gradually began falling behind the formation. There was white smoke coming from the No. 3 engine but no flames was observed. Subject aircraft was within my view for approximately 5 minutes and was under control at all times. I saw no crew member leave the aircraft or parachutes open.

T/Sgt. Alvis O. Garner
91st BG; 322nd BS

Source: MACR 11036

B-17 43-38234 / Easy Does It Crew