42-31616 The Spirit of Flak Wolf

Delivered Cheyenne 27/11/43; Grand Island 5/12/43; Presque Is 17/12/43; Assigned 427BS/303BG [GN-U] Molesworth 14/1/4; crashed on take off Winwick, Huntingdonshire, 9/4/44, with John McGarry, Co-pilot: Willie Cotham, Navigator: Bob Halligan, Bombardier: Ken Foe, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Henry Grace, Radio Operator: Steve Stuphar (6 Killed in Service); Ball turret gunner: Ira Friedman, Waist gunner: Ervin Hilborn, Waist gunner: Mike Vargas, Tail gunner: Walt Kowalonek (4 injured, but later Returned to Duty); Salvaged 11/4/44, after burnt out and causing damage in the village. (Back in April 2010 the #2 engine throttle handle was found at crash site by a man with metal detector, and subsequent research put him in touch with pilot’s family to hand over the memento). Missing Air Crew Report 5019 & Missing Air Crew Report 15582. THE SPIRIT OF FLAK WOLF.

Connections

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Units served with

Official emblem of the 303rd Bomb Group approved 7 November 1942.

303rd Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

John J McGarry

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Stephen Stuphar

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 427th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 35317052
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator

Places

Missions

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

England 9 April 1944

Revisions

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Added association to the 427 BS listed in the description section for A/C #42-31616.

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Updated the A/C nickname by using lower case where appropriate.

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Added the A/C nickname listed in the A/C “Description” section.
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 15582 / MACR 5019 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database