42-39945 Holy Hellcat
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FRE 1163
A bomber crew of the 306th Bomb Group stand underneath the flak damaged wing of a B-17 Flying Fortress. A B-17 (serial number 42-39945) nicknamed "Holy Hellcat" is visible in the background. Image stamped on reverse: 'Graphic Photo Union.' [stamp] and 'Daily Sketch Copyright.' [stamp]
Roger Freeman Collection
IWM, Roger Freeman Collection
Delivered Long Beach 13/10/43; Gr Island 8/11/43; Assigned 423BS/306BG [RD-S] Thurleigh 12/12/43; Missing in Action Aschersleben 22/2/44 with J.P. Tooms Jr, co-Howard Taunton, Navigator: Alby Pulver, Bombardier: Buford Branom, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Ralph Wheeler, Radio Operator: Paul Gaire, Tail gunner: Virgil Chappie (7 Killed in Action); Ball turret gunner: Calvin Brend, Waist gunner: John Foley, Waist gunner: Bill Harris (3 Prisoner of War); enemy aircraft, crashed Herfun, just S of Waldbrol, 19 miles W of Siegen, Ger; Missing Air Crew Report 2649. HOLY HELLCAT.
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
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 306th Bomb Group 423rd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-679328
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Bombardier
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 306th Bomb Group 423rd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 11103371
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 306th Bomb Group 423rd Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Tail Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 306th Bomb Group 423rd Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: waist gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 306th Bomb Group 423rd Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
- Role/Job: Radio Operator, Radio Operator Gunner
Places
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Bedford
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Other Failed to Return (FTR) |
France | 22 February 1944 |