Charles E Atkinson

Military

Charles Atkinson was Engineer/Gunner on board B-17 #42-39782 on the 8 February mission to Frankfurt, Germany. Shot down by fighters and crashed near Roye, France. Atkinson landed near Noyon, France and evaded capture with the help of French citizens and members of the Résistance. After landing near Noyon, France, he travelled to the South of the country and crossed into Spain, reaching Gibraltar. Flown from there, he was back in England on 15 May 1944. Escape & Evasion Report E&E 651.

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 379th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 527th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 12011093 at enlistment, then O-688731
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 527th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 15339963
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 527th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 31084894
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 527th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-681986
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 527th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 13145816
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner

Aircraft

Airmen of the 526th Bomb Squadron, 379th Bomb Group unload their gear after a mission in their B-17 Flying Fortress (LF-M, serial number 42-39782). Handwritten caption on reverse: '264849. 19.' Press caption removed from reverse. On reverse: Associated Press, US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau[Stamps].
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Pistol Packin Mama
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 526th Bomb Squadron

Missions

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Born

4 January 1923

Other

Bailed out

8 February 1944 of B-17 #42-39782 over Roye, France

Other

Evaded capture (EVD)

8 February 1944 - 15 May 1944 Helped by French citizens and members of the Résistance. Back in the UK on 15 May 1944.

Died

11 March 1993 Grove City, Ohio
Indianapolis, Indiana

Revisions

Date
ContributorED-BB
Changes
Sources

SSDI (Social Security Death Index)

Date
ContributorED-BB
Changes
Sources

MACR 2880
Escape & Evasion Report E&E 651.

Date
Changes
Sources

MACR 2880

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Added a space in the "Summary biography" for clarity.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / MACR 2880, Losses of the 8th & 9th Air Forces; 379th Bomb Group Anthology page 296