zoom_in
Source:
www.fold3.com
Production-block:
B-17G-40-DL: 44-6001 to 44-6125
Manufacturer:
Douglas
- Bomb Group:
- 381st Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 532nd Bomb Squadron
- RCL: VE-A
MACR: 7882 / KSU/ME/KU: 2670
History of
B-17 44-6020 / Under Ground Farmer
Delivered Tulsa 6/4/44; Hunter 17/4/44; Dow Fd 8/5/44; Assigned: 532BS/381BG [VE-A] Ridgewell 28/5/44; MIA Brandenburg 6/8/44 Pilot: Allen Webb, Co-Pilot: John Hayes, Navigator: Earl Grossnickle, Bombardier: George Gomez, Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: Lendon Grisham, Radio Operator: Ralph Murkin, Ball Turret Gunner: Bill Burt, Waist Gunner: Adolph Gonzales (8POW); Tail Gunner: Jack Patrick (KIA); flak, ditched Baltic; MACR 7882. UNDERGROUND FARMER.
Last updated: 13. April 2020
B-17 44-6020 / Under Ground Farmer Details
Witness Statement from MACR 7882
On 06 August 1944, I was pilot in B-17G, #43-107112 [sic], on on Operational Mission, flying Group Lead. Lt. Webb (#44-6020) was flying #2 position.
Just after bombs away, 1237, aircraft #44-6020 was observed to have been hit in #2 engine. Lt. Webb contacted me on VHP, saying he was unable to feather engine due to lack of oil, and was falling back out of formation. At this point, Major Briggs, Wing Leader, broke in, instructing Lt. Webb to try to make it back, and that fighter support would be gotton for him.
Last contact we had, Lt. Webb was 40 miles west of target on course covered by friendly fighters.
Edward H. MacNeill
Capt, Air Corps
Pilot
B-17 44-6020 / Under Ground Farmer Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 1LT | Allen W. Webb | POW | - |
| CP | 2LT | John W. Hayes | POW | - |
| NAV | 2LT | Earl S. Grossnickle | POW | - |
| BOMB | 2LT | George Gomez | POW | - |
| ENG/TT | T/SGT | Lendon L. Grisham | POW | - |
| RO | S/SGT | Ralph K. Murkin | POW | - |
| BT | S/SGT | William C. Burt | POW | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Adolph M. Gonzales | POW | - |
| TG | S/SGT | Jack S. Patrick | KIA | - |
09. May 2024 access_time 16:21
S/SGT ADOLPH M GONZALES was my father. My name is Andrew J Gonzales. I live in Murrieta, CA I would love to know if there are any other children of the original crew service members around. I would love to get in contact with them.
18. June 2024 access_time 2:17
I am Tech Sergeant Lendon Grisham’s grandson. He passed away in 1986 with ALS. Doctor’s contributed his ALS from abusive treatment he received in the POW camp.
18. June 2024 access_time 18:03
Tracey, I hope you get this message. I can’t translate the German language into English. Do you have a personal email address? or a text number? my number is 1-951-704-2338.
18. June 2024 access_time 18:14
Hi Tracey!!! It’s GREAT to hear from you. I’ve had an issue replying to your message. I hope this one goes through. I have a GREAT ORIGINAL PHOTO that my father had taken of the entire crew in front of a B-17. I would love to send you a copy so you can see your grandfather as a young WWII B-17 CREW MEMBER. how can I get it to you via address?
18. June 2024 access_time 22:50
My Condolences for Lendon Grisham’s passing. Let me know if you are receiving these messages. I don’t know if they are going through. I’m so happy to hear from you.
01. November 2024 access_time 2:12
Would love to hear from living family members of the Crew Members of “THE UNDERGROUND FARMER”