Production-block:
B-17G-80-BO: 43-38074 to 43-38273
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 91st Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 322nd Bomb Squadron
- RCL: LG-E
MACR: 11036
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
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 1LT | Donald R. Freer | POW | - |
| CP | 1LT | Joseph M. Gallagher | POW | - |
| NAV | 1LT | Harold W. Lasch | POW | - |
| ENG/TT | T/SGT | Oscar L. Stillman | POW | - |
| RO | T/SGT | Roy M. Tanner | POW | - |
| BT | S/SGT | Anthony R. Tacinelli | POW | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Borge O. Kellstrom | KIA | - |
| TG | S/SGT | Lawrence Schenk, Jr. | POW | - |
| TOG | T/SGT | Joe Sanchez | KIA | - |
22. October 2023 access_time 19:52
https://www.americanairmuseum.com/archive/person/donald-sparkman
With DFC Sparkman on that flight over Merseberg, was Thomas Giordano, Gunner.
During WWII, Tommy flew with pilot Don Sparkman in a B-17, named “Easy Does It”. There are a couple of books published that discuss their flying in a mission over Mersberg, Germany.
Sparkman ferried a brand new B-17 across the Atlantic in May 1944, the plane went on to the 381st Bomb Group but co-pilot Sparkman and his crew went on to join the 91st at Bassingbourn.
Sparkman was awarded the DFC for his part in the raid on Merseburg November 2nd 1944 when he managed to return the disabled ‘Easy Does It’ back to base. He stayed on in the Air Force taking part in the Berlin Air Lift, completing two tours in Germany and retiring with the rank of Lt Colonel.