42-37827

media-30087.jpeg UPL 30087 This is crew of 42-37827 YB-J.
Lt Gilbert Whitchurch is 3rd from right, back row. Eugene Sylvester was co-pilot but not sure which one is him.

Michael Whitchurch

Object Number - UPL 30087 - This is crew of 42-37827 YB-J. Lt Gilbert Whitchurch is 3rd from right, back row. Eugene Sylvester was co-pilot but not sure which one is him.

Delivered Denver 11/9/43; Gr Island 29/9/43; Assigned 509BS/351BG [RQ-J] Polebrook 27/10/43, then 508BS [YB-J]; Missing in Action 24m Schweinfurt 13/4/44 with Gilbert Whitchurch, Co-pilot: Gene Sylvester, Navigator: Newton Wilbur, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Fred Gowen, Radio Operator: Andy Boyarko, Ball turret gunner: Don Luse, Waist gunner: Fred Vester, Waist gunner: Maurice Turner, Tail gunner: Bob Mondragon (9 Prisoner of War); Bombardier: Richard Cox (KIA-chute failed). shot down by six ME 109s, knocking off half of right stabilizer, salvoed bombs before baling out; ship crashed Oberelsbach, 28 miles N of Schweinfurt; Missing Air Crew Report 3863.

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 351st Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 351st Bomb Group 508th Bomb Squadron 509th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 15324877
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 351st Bomb Group 508th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 34338496
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 351st Bomb Group 509th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-752-842
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 351st Bomb Group 508th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner
Colonel Hatcher of the 351st Bomb Group with comedian Bob Hope, Hollywood actor Clark Gable and guests. Handwritten caption on reverse: '7. Col. Hatcher and guests during Bob Hope show.'
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 351st Bomb Group 508th Bomb Squadron 509th Bomb Squadron 510th Bomb Squadron 511th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-021528
  • Highest Rank: Colonel
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot; Pilot; Group Commanding Officer

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

Germany 13 April 1944

Revisions

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Added a space before the words "Tail gunner" in the A/C “Description” to aid clarity.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Dave Osborne, B-17 Fortress Master Log / MACR 3863 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database

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