B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 43-38688

History of
B-17 43-38688

B-17 43-38688 Details

This aircraft was a member of a Squadron which was in seventh Squadron over the target. Only three (3) bursts of flak were observed before the seventh Squadron went over the target. As this Squadron reached the target, about fifteen (15) seconds before bombs away, moderate, tracking and very accurate flak from about six (6) to ten (10) guns, believed to be railway guns, hit the formation. The missing aircraft was hit on the right wing and the number 3 engine. And the right wing were observe to be on fire.

About eight (8) seconds before bombs away this aircraft left the formation and was observed to spiral down slowly but apparently under control. Aircraft was flying at 14,300 feet when hit. The aircraft momentarily leveled off at about 7000 feet and seven (7) chutes and possible eight (8) were observed coming from the aircraft. 

The remainder of the Squadron took severe evasive action immediately after bombs away and therefore further positive observations were impossible. Several aircraft from following formations were observed to be hit by flak and chutes were seen coming out of three (3) other aircraft, two (2) of which were observed to crash on the ground. No further information is known regarding the crew of this missing aircraft.

Source: MACR 13880

Tracing the Past in the Burgstein Region: The Fate of the “Piccadilly Lily”

Deep within the idyllic woods between Großzöbern and Krebes lies a story that remained hidden for 80 years. On April 8, 1945, just weeks before the end of World War II, a US bomber—a Boeing B-17G with the serial number 43-38688—met its end here.

What Happened?

The aircraft, nicknamed “Piccadilly Lily,” was part of a formation targeting the strategically important marshalling yard in Hof. However, German anti-aircraft fire (flak) severely damaged the bomber. As the plane caught fire, seven of the eight crew members managed to bail out by parachute. Tragically, the bombardier, 2Lt. Ralph C. Loechle, later succumbed to his severe injuries. Other members of the crew were eventually able to return home after the war.

The greatest mystery remains the fate of the pilot, Samuel L. Rogers. To this day, he is officially listed as Missing in Action (MIA). It is believed that he lost his life when the aircraft crashed on the slopes of the Ruderitzer Berg.

History You Can Touch

The fact that these events have not been forgotten is thanks to the tireless efforts of local historians Frank Wacker and Thomas Lein. Through their dedicated research, they were able to pinpoint the exact crash site of the 43-38688.

Recovered artifacts offer a glimpse into the violence of the impact:

• Fragments of the nine-cylinder radial engine.
• Parts of the onboard machine gun and bent ammunition feeds.
• Remnants of the autopilot and fragments of the elevator.

A Memorial for Reconciliation

Today, a new memorial plaque commemorates the men who were in the cockpit that day. The initiators did not intend to create a war monument, but rather a tribute to the human stories behind the historical data.

Particularly moving is the long-standing connection to the family of gunner Edward C. Massolo in San Francisco. He passed away on August 15, 2024, at the age of 100—just before the artifacts from Germany could reach him.

For those who wish to experience this history firsthand, several of the recovered original parts are now on permanent loan at the Plauen Air Raid Shelter Museum (Luftschutzmuseum Plauen).

Photos: Frank Wacker

B-17 43-38688 Crew