42-29656 The Terrible Ten : Skunkface
R. E. Steele photo Joe Harlick Collection
Delivered Denver 2/2/43; Salina 9/2/43; Assigned 358BS/303BG [VK-F] Molesworth 21/3/43 "THE TERRIBLE TEN"; transferred 322BS/91BG [LG-S] Bassingbourn 5/7/43 "SKUNKFACE". Missing in Action on its 19th mission, to Aschersleben, Germany on 20 February 1944. Pilot Ernest B. Kidd; Co-pilot: Benjamin G. Beauclair; Bombardier: Charles M. Betzel (initially evaded then captured); Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Ober L. Torvik; Radio Operator: Theodore J. Mazor; Left Waist gunner: Billie L. Ramsey; Right Waist gunner: Ernest B. Serna; Tail gunner: Francis A. Hentges (8 Prisoner of War); Navigator: Billy H. Huish (initially evaded, but caught 22 April 1944 by Gestapo and shot, along with some aircrew from other units; Ball turret gunner: Rex Wertman (2 Killed in Action). Enemy aircraft shot out two engines. Crashed near Lens railway station, seven miles NW of Mons, Belgium. Missing Air Crew Report - MACR 2460.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 91st Bomb Group 322nd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-803930
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Co-Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 91st Bomb Group 322nd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 17065646 and O-744176
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Bombardier
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 7071292
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 91st Bomb Group 322nd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 13026553
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Role/Job: Tail Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 91st Bomb Group 322nd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 19110484 and O-750196
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Navigator
Places
- Site type: Airfield
- Site type: Airfield
Missions
- Date: 20 February 1944
- Date: 13 May 1943
- Date: 4 May 1943
- Date: 17 April 1943
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Other Failed to Return (FTR) |
20 February 1944 | Shot down by fighters, crashed behind the Lens-sur-Dendre railway station, Belgium |
Revisions
Dave Osborne, B-17 Fortress Master Log / MACR 2460 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database