42-107211 The liberty belle

Delivered Tulsa 21/3/44; Kearney 4/4/44; Grenier 14/4/44; Assigned 349BS/100BG [XR-N] Thorpe Abbotts 20/4/44; Missing in Action Merseburg 29/7/44 with Carl Gustafson, Co-pilot: Mike Newmerowski, Navigator: Vic Kinkade, Bombardier: Marcena Dottoviano, Radio Operator: Tony Trebnik, Ball turret gunner: Jack Kromer, Waist gunner: Frank Caldwell, Tail gunner: Bill Ewing (8 Killed in Action); Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Bob Fife (Prisoner of War); enemy aircraft, crashed Mannstedt, N of Weimar, Ger. Missing Air Crew Report 8795. THE LIBERTY BELLE.

Connections

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Units served with

Three airmen of the 100th Bomb Group, Lieutenant Kenneth Menzie, Lieutenant Donald Strout and Lieutenant Norman Scott, plan the route they will take during the next mission in their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-30380). Image stamped on reverse: 'Reviewed and passed U.S. Army 23 Aug 1943 Press Censor E.T.O. U.S.A.' [stamp]'. Passed for publication 23 August 1943 INTLD 16 General Section Press Censorship Bureau '[stamp], 'Associated Press' [stamp] and '280035.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reve

100th Bomb Group

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

People

Frank A Caldwell

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 100th Bomb Group 349th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner
Personnel, including John A Miller, of the 349th Bomb Squadron, 100th Bomb Group outside a Nissen hut. John A Miller, A veteran waist gunner of the 100th Bomb Group has handwritten on reverse: 'July 1944, 349th BS- 100th BG. Lt to Rt Rear: Al Bridges (WG), Pat Madsen (TT), George McCleary (TG). Front: Larry Pratt (E), Marcena "Dottie" Dottoviano (TG) (KIA 7-29-44) Congratulating John A Miller (WG) on receiving DFC.'

Marcena F Dottoviano

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 349th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier; Togglier
Staff Sergeant William Ewing of the 97th Bomb Group in position inside his B-17 Flying Fortress. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], '212089.' [censor no]. Printed caption on reverse: 'AMERICAN FLYING FORTRESSES WAIT FOR ZERO HOUR. Associated Press Photo Shows: Sgt William Ewing, side gunner and Assistant Radio Operator, from Keytesville, MO inspects the feed belt of his gun.'

William R Ewing

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 349th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner

Robert E Fife

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 349th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner, Top Turret Gunner; Engineer

Carl C Gustafson

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 349th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

Germany 29 July 1944

Revisions

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 7816 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database