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Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

Two 535th Bomb Squadron, 381st Bomb Group aircraft collided after a practice mission on 21 January 1944. MS-X(42-39906) ran into the back of MS-Y (42-39890) shortly after landing. 42-39906 was lost due a forced landing when caught fire and completely burned before it could be gotten under control.

 

"Squat 'N Droppit" (MS-X)

Lockheed/Vega B-17G-5-VE

s/n 42-39906

535th BS, 381st BG, 8th AF

 

"Return Ticket" (MS-Y)

Lockheed/Vega B-17G-5-VE

s/n 42-39890

535th BS, 381st BG, 8th AF

After being repaired she was returned to service with the 535th. She was shot down by fighters a month later on the 24 May 1944 mission to Berlin.

Hit by fighters, she swerved out of formation started down, shedding pieces as she went. After falling a little way the left wing came off at the #1 engine, then the right wing a moment later. Four of the crew managed to get out and parachute safely to the ground to become POWs.

MACR 5179

2nd Lt. Carl H. Dasso - Pilot (KIA)

2nd Lt. William L. Watson - CoPilot (KIA)

2nd Lt. Phillip J. Barkett - Navigator (POW)

2nd Lt. Norman B. Isom - Bombardier (KIA)

S/Sgt. Oscar S. Wright - Engineer/Top Turret Gunner (KIA)

S/Sgt. Anthony P. Madero - Radio Operator (KIA)

Cpl. Paul M. Williams - Ball Turret Gunner (POW)

Sgt. Marshall E. Rose - Waist Gunner (POW)

Sgt. Chester E. Herron - Tail Gunner (POW)

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Uploaded on August 6, 2012
Taken on August 6, 2012