42-39901 Star Dust
photo supplied by Cpl. Ploss daughter, used with permission.
Object Number - UPL 76407 - 42-39901, 385th BG
Delivered Long Beach 3/10/43; Gr Island 31/10/43; Assigned 551BS/385BG [HR- ] Gt Ashfield 24/11/43; battle damaged Pas De Calais 15/2/44 with Leon Swedlund, Co-pilot: George Guscatt, Navigator: Rex Cantrell, Bombardier: Fred Berlinger{wia-leg amputated}, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Jackson Osborne, Radio Operator: Chas Day, Ball turret gunner: Ernest Mazer, Waist gunner: Chas Thompson{Wounded in Action}, Waist gunner: John Brutenback,Tail gunner: Grendell Hawes (10 Returned to Duty); losing engines and power on return, crash landed RAF Detling, Kent, UK. Hitting concrete pillbox. STAR DUST.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
![A bomber crew of the 385th Bomb Group with their B-17 Flying Fortress. Image stamped on reverse: 'Planet News.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 6 Nov 1943.' [stamp] and '291701.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: Printed caption on reverse: 'US AIRFORCE IN GREAT DAYLIGHT OFFENSIVE ON EUROPE. The great daylight offensive on Europe continues, targets in Germany, France and Belgium being attacked by great formations of bombers and fighters from the US Army Air Force and the RAF. Photo shows: Before t](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-380140.jpg.webp?itok=3DyNylCs)
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 385th Bomb Group
- Service Numbers: 33264197
- Highest Rank: Corporal
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Missions
- Date: 15 February 1944
