42-97176

media-18329.jpeg UPL 18329 B-17 42-97176 Photo Courtesy Francis B. Froah Family Francis B Froah collection

Photo Courtesy Francis B. Froah Family

Object Number - UPL 18329 - B-17 42-97176 Photo Courtesy Francis B. Froah Family

Delivered Cheyenne 7/2/44; Gr Island 15/2/44; Presque Is 4/3/44; Assigned 710BS/447BG Rattlesden 4/3/44; Missing in Action Brussels 20/5/44 with Town Archibald, Co-pilot: Bob Lewis (2 Returned to Duty); Navigator: Duane Kesterke, Bombardier: Chas Oulehla, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: John Harwell, Radio Operator: Gustave Secunda, Ball turret gunner: Simpson Gray, Waist gunner: John Schomburger, Waist gunner: Everett White,Tail gunner: Art Baker (8KIA- actually drowned); en route to target was shot down accidentally by a B-17 of another group testing its guns, crashed Channel. Missing Air Crew Report 4939.

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 447th Bomb Group.

447th Bomb Group

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

People

Arthur Baker

Arthur Rector Baker

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 447th Bomb Group 710th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 35551683
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner
Simpson Gray

Simpson Bogard Gray

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 447th Bomb Group 710th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 38167500
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner
John Harwell

John Thomas Harwell

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 447th Bomb Group 710th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 34386652
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner
SGT William F. Humphrey

William F Humphrey

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 447th Bomb Group 710th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: B-17 Tailgunner
Duane Kesterke

Duane Alvin Kesterke

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 447th Bomb Group 710th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 16087364 / O-700153
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

Belgium 20 May 1944

Revisions

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Dave Osborne, B-17 Fortress Master Log / MACR 4939 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database

42-97176: Gallery (1 items)

Object number: UPL 18329 - B-17 42-97176 Photo Courtesy Francis B. Froah...