42-37732 Celestial Siren

Delivered Denver 10/8/43; Dalhart 17/8/43; Gr Island 5/9/43; Assigned 526BS/379BG [LF-R] Kimbolton 19/10/43; Missing in Action Augsburg 25/2/44 with Joe Bochna, Co-pilot: Bob Edwards, Navigator: Ray Frenk, Bombardier: Don Haverman, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: John Chappelle, Radio Operator: Ed Zieman, Ball turret gunner: Floyd Paulk, Waist gunner: Andy Langford, Waist gunner: Zancel Campbell,Tail gunner: Harry Carson (10 Prisoner of War); flak, crashed Saarbrucken area; Missing Air Crew Report 2879. THE CELESTIAL SIREN.

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

Units served with

The insignia of the 379th Bomb Group.

379th Bomb Group

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

People

Joseph S Bochna

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 526th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-797798
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot
A bomber crew of the 526th Bomb Squadron, 379th Bomb Group return to base with their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-37764) nicknamed "Dragon Lady" after a mission. Image stamped on reverse: 'Copyright Planet News.' [stamp], 'Passed for Publication 1 jan 1944.' [stamp] and '298282.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'Photo Shows:- The crew of "Dragon Lady" telling of their experience when they were attacked by Focke Wulfe fighters. Right to left:- Lt. Ray Lohr, pilot, of Tampa, Florida; Lt A

Zancel Yale Campbell

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 526th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 34337705
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: waist gunner

Harold J Carson

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 526th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner

John G Chappelle

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 526th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner

Robert E Edwards

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 526th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

Germany 25 February 1944

Revisions

Date
Contributorbochna
Changes
Sources

edited

Date
Contributorbochna
Changes
Sources

My grandfather was the Pilot, Joseph S. Bochna. I am writing a piece about him. I have been researching a great deal and have been communicating with the 379th bomb group facebook group and various websites. The information I have included is easily researchable.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Dave Osborne, B-17 Fortress Master Log / MACR 2879 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database