B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 44-6482

History of
B-17 44-6482

Delivered Hunter 18/8/44; Dow Fd 3/9/44; Assigned 336BS/95BG [ET-X] Horham 8/9/44; 4m, Missing in Action Politz 7/10/44 with Capt Bill Waltman, Co-pilot: Marvin Hogue, Bombardier: Art Schuessler, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Jim Hopkins (4 Prisoner of War); Navigator: Bob Higgins, Radio Operator: Don Froman, Ball turret gunner: Dean Thomas, Waist gunner: Albt Hillgardner,Tail gunner: Bill Loftis (5 Killed in Action); flak, crashed Willingsdorf, Ger. Missing Air Crew Report 9559.

Last updated: 23. August 2020

B-17 44-6482 Details

B-17G 44-6482 piloted by Capt. William S. Waltman, was hit by enemy aircraft at 1201 hours in the number three engine which immediately caught fire. The pilot put the aircraft into a dive to try to blow out the fire. The aircraft was again seen 5000 feet below and ahead of the formation still under control with the fire still burning but not trailing smoke. The fire was evidently in the engine compartment and the other crews feel that the crew had an excellent chance to bail out or perhaps even to land the aircraft. No parachutes were seen to leave the aircraft and it was under complete control of the pilot at 1206 hours at 22000 feet at 51°18’N, 11°10’E.

Source: MACR 9559

B-17 44-6482 Crew