B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 44-6431 / Old Folks

History of
B-17 44-6431 / Old Folks

B-17 44-6431 / Old Folks Details

Eyewitness Statements to the loss of B-17 #44-6431 / Old Folks

On 25 April 1945, the target for our Group was the Linz South Main Marshalling Yard. We came in on the target at 26200 feet, heading 147° true. Flak was moderate but accurate – especially on Able Box.

Bombs were away at 1347 and at 1348 the Pilot (Lt. R. Wilkins) called me to watch “Able #5”, which was plane #431, who had fallen out of formation with #1 engine on fire.

This plane headed due East losing altitude rapidly and with two fighters for protection. At 1350 the fire appeared much larger as the plane circled to the West heading down and the crew bailed. Nine (9) chutes were observed. This plane was then at approximately 12000 feet at 48°18’N – 14°40’E.

2Lt. David L. Chollet
Navigator, Air Corps

On 25 April 1945, I was flying as tail gunner on ship 714 in number four (4) position. I saw ship 431 flying [in] number five position at the time in trouble. It was #2 engine that threw out a blaze which appeared to be put out. At the time of bombs away 431 peeled off under the formation and #2 was aflame again. I watched for chutes but saw none and to all appearances the pilot had the ship under control. I followed them to the limit of my vision on the left side of our ship and then notified the navigator to follow it from there. The Navigator reported nothing more.

S/Sgt. William D. Katzing

All members of the crew went out their appointed escape routes, with the exception of the radio man, who went out the rear escape door. I found out later that the Ball Gunner and the Navigator were injured when they hit the ground, the navigator landing in a tree and spraining both ankles. The tail gunner’s chute failed to open when he pulled the rip-cord, but he opened it by ripping open the flap with his hands.

After getting the rest of the crew out, I, the pilot, tried to jump but couldn’t, because of severe flak wounds. Finally, when the plane was but a few hundred feet above the ground, I got out, and was captured immediately. I didn’t see any members of the crew again until I got back to the United States, when I was told that the German soldiers who captured the rest of the crew, mistreated some of them, kicking one of them about the face and body.

1Lt. Richard A. Schwarz

Source: MACR 13988

B-17 44-6431 / Old Folks Crew