Production-block:
B-17G-95-BO: 43-38674 to 43-38873
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 91st Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 322nd Bomb Squadron
- 324th Bomb Squadron
MACR: 11044
History of
B-17 43-38742
Delivered Lincoln 14/9/44; Dow Fd 6/10/44; Assigned 324BS/91BG Bassingbourn 4/11/44; 322BG; Missing in Action Zeitz 30/11/44 with Ralph Stolz, Bernie Goldstein, Tom McDonough, John Harper, Howard Hagan, Don McPherson, Albt Waldmiller, Leland Herron (8 Killed in Action); George Minich (Prisoner of War); flak, crashed Zeitz; Missing Air Crew Report 11044.
Last updated: 20. August 2022
B-17 43-38742 Details
At the target aircraft 742 received a direct hit of flak and exploded.
Aircraft 642 saw one aircraft pf high squadron received direct burst of flak, two minute after target. Since aircraft 742 is only ship missing, it may be assumed it was the subject aircraft.
Statement of Eyewitness
At about two minutes after bombs away, altitude 24,000 feet, I saw aircraft B-17G, 43-38742, after it had pulled out of formation in the high squadron. The aircraft was approximately 500 feet below and slightly to the rear of our ship. At this time the aircraft exploded, disintegrating completely. I saw no crew members leave the ship or parachutes open. As I did not see subject aircraft when it left the high squadron it is possible that some of the crew members may have bailed out prior to the time that I first noticed the aircraft flying below our position.
S/Sgt. John C. Portner
Source: MACR 11044
B-17 43-38742 Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 2LT | Ralph E. Stolz | KIA | - |
| CP | 2LT | Bernard Goldstein | KIA | - |
| NAV | 2LT | George A. Minich | POW | - |
| ENG/TT | SGT | John E. Harper | KIA | - |
| RO | SGT | Howard C. Hagan | KIA | - |
| BT | SGT | Donald R. McPherson | KIA | - |
| WG | SGT | Albert E. Waldmiller | KIA | - |
| TG | SGT | Leland K. Herron | KIA | - |
| TOG | SGT | Thomas M. McDonough, Jr. | KIA | - |
30. November 2019 access_time 21:08
My uncle John Harper died as a part of this crew.
He is survived by a son, and grand son .
Still in Corsicana, Texas where he is from.
16. July 2023 access_time 20:09
The Radio Call Letters for 43-38742 were LG-A. This was a 322nd Bomb Squadron ship borrowed by the 324th for the 30th November 1944 mission to give the 324th a full squadron formation, and being flown by a 324th Bomb Squadron crew at the time of its loss.
07. November 2023 access_time 18:32
Abschuß sehr wahrscheinlich durch Flakabteilung 4./525 (E), 4. Kompanie der schweren Eisenbahnflakabteilung 525.
Das waren 12,8cm Geschütze. Die gleiche Einheit beansprucht noch zwei weitere B-17 um ca. 13:34 Uhr.
11. November 2024 access_time 19:42
My uncle was Donald R McPherson he was the ball turret gunner. The plane was only 2 1/2 months old when it was shot down. My uncle was just 19 when he gave his life for this country.