42-106992 Baby Lu, Grin N Bear It

Factory fresh B-17s UPL 17737 UPL 17737 Factory fresh B-17 Flying Fortesses, a B-24 Liberator, and possibly a Waco CG-4A, on the flight test strip at Langford Lodge on 13th April 1944. The aircraft are being prepared for delivery to squadrons based in England.

The histories of the five aircraft with visible serials are: B-17 '2107151' was recorded at Grenier Field, New Hampshire on 7 April 1944 en route to the UK. It went to the 401st BG, (coded IW-B) acquired the name 'Cover Girl', survived the war and was returned to the USA to be disposed of at Kingman AFB.

'2102518' went to the 384th BG (coded JD-K) and was salvaged in Germany towards the end of 1945, bearing the name 'Damn Yankee'.

'2106992' went to the 401st BG,(coded SC-D) acquired the name 'Baby Lu' Her name was augmented by the Vargas artwork from the Esquire magazine centerfold, "Pistol Packin' Mama." It eventually ended up back in the USA to be scrapped.

'2107084' was also assigned to the 401st BG (coded IW-G) and nicknamed "Betty's Revenge." She was lost 7 October 1944 over Politz; the navigator, bombardier & radio operator were all KIA.

The furthest aircraft B-17G 42-97664, joined the 401st BG on 17 April 1944. Coded IY-F, she was nicknamed "Aw, Come On." She also served with the 612th Bomb Sq (re-coded SC-X) and had completed 45 missions by the war's end.

Original 4" x 5" Signal Corps Neg No ETO-HQ-44-3199 (Lot No 8542)
NARA Reference Number: 342-FH-3A05930-80009AC

Object Number - UPL 17737 - Factory fresh B-17 Flying Fortesses, a B-24 Liberator, and possibly a Waco CG-4A, on the flight test strip at Langford Lodge on 13th April 1944. The...

Delivered Denver 19/1/44; Dalhart 4/2/44; Presque 23/3/44; Assigned 612BS/401BG [SC-D] Deenethorpe 16/4/44; force landed continent 19/4/45; Sal; Returned to the USA Bradley 11/7/45; 4185 BU Independence 12/7/45; Reconstruction Finance Corporation (sold for scrap metal in USA) Kingman 25/12/45. "BABY LU" aka GRIN ‘N BEAR IT.

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

Units served with

A pathfinder B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 44-8258) of the 401st Bomb Group. Image by Robert Astrella. Written on slide casing: '48258 14 A, Mount Farm.'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 612th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-760521
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 612th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot, Tail Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 612th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier, Navigator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 612th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 36864214
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 612th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Places

Aircraft

Factory fresh B-17s
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Baby Lu, Grin N Bear It
  • Unit: 401st Bomb Group 612th Bomb Squadron

Events

Event Location Date Description

Delivered

Denver, CO 19 January 1944

Assigned

Deenethorpe Airfield, UK 16 April 1944 401BG 612BS SC-D

Revisions

Date
Contributor466thHistorian
Changes
Sources

B-17 Flying Fortress Story - Roger Freeman
http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_bombers/b17_16.html

Date
Contributorphil marchese
Changes
Sources

Image conforms to AAM synopsis.

Date
ContributorRayWells
Changes
Sources

From Julian Roadman`s daughter Paula Mahaney via Facebook

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Dave Osborne, B-17 Fortress Master Log

42-106992: Gallery (43 items)