42-97818 Junior / Crash Wagon III
Courtesy of Ronald Leach 385th Bomb Group collection
Ronald Leach son of Robert D Leach
Object Number - UPL 77782 - "Damage from explosion of B-17 42-97818" - 385BG. Courtesy of Ronald Leach
Delivered Denver 6/3/44; Hunter 16/4/44; Grenier 9/5/44; Assigned 551BS/385BG [HR- ] Gt Ashfield 10/5/44; sustained electrical problems when taxying for mission take off 15/6/44 with Merle Nieman, Co-pilot: V. Grzymkowski, Navigator: K. Anderson, Bombardier: J.Klempel, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: R. McMillen, Radio Operator: E. Winrutt, Ball turret gunner: ? , Waist gunner: W. McMurray, Waist gunner: Limington,Tail gunner: D. Barry (10 Returned to Duty); once stooped a fire broke out followed by explosion which damaged Bombardier: 17 nearby 42-107232; Salvaged 15/6/44.
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
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
- Unit: 385th Bomb Group 551st Bomb Squadron
