B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 43-38405

History of
B-17 43-38405

Delivered Cheyenne 29/7/44; Hunter 7/8/44; Dow Fd 30/8/44; Assigned 508BS/351BG [YB-D] Polebrook 10/9/44; Missing in Action {27m} Dresden 14/2/45 with Curtis Ash, Ned Benedict, Art Nicholas, Bob Pierce, Ward Brady, John Norbo, Ken Graser, Lou Anderson (8 Prisoner of War); Bob Hays (Killed in Action) flak hit and went into spin smoking badly, crashed Wormervear, Hol; Missing Air Crew Report 12334.

Last updated: 15. July 2020

B-17 43-38405 Details

Eyewitness Account From MACR 12334

I, John J. James, was flying as Pilot of Aircraft No. 44-6108 on a mission to Dresden, Germany on 14 February 1945. Lt. Ash was flying in the element on my right, and I first noticed him when he started to dive at about a 70 degrees angle from level flight, at the Dutch Coast. There was moderate flak in the area, and I though he was trying to get out of the flak by nosing down but he kept on going down and must have been out of control. The plane went out of sight, and this is all I saw. Nothing was heard over VHF.

John J. James
2Lt. Air Corps

I, Ivan G. Kimmel, was flying as Tail Gunner on Lt. James’ crew on a mission to Dresden, Germany on 14 February 1945. I first noticed Lt. Ash when he started into a steep dive just after we crossed the Dutch Coast. There were no enemy fighters in the area, but there was moderate, accurate flak, and he must have been hit by it. After he had descended about 1000 feet, he went into a wide spiral. It was after he went into this spiral that I saw parachutes come from the plane. I counted seven (7) in all. After this the plane was obscured by clouds and I could see nothing more. I heard nothing over VHF.

Ivan G. Kimmel
S/Sgt. Air Corps

Video of crash site and wreckage

B-17 43-38405 Crew

Related web sites about the B-17 43-38405

1. https://www.fold3.com/page/566928367_crash_of_b17_4338405_macr_12334#description
2. http://www.teunispats.nl/t5254.htm