Paul Swift

Military

10/14/43 on takeoff for Schweinfurt in B17#42-30193 'Hard Luck', no. 3 engine caught fire during take off with 10 bombs aboard. Lt. Swith retracted landing gear to avoid trees. Crew escaped before ac caught fire and exploded.

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 388th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Aircraft

A bomber crew of the 388th Bomb Group with their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-30193) nicknamed "Hard Luck". Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Eceleston crew.'
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Hard Luck
  • Unit: 388th Bomb Group 561st Bomb Squadron
The nose art of a B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "Virgin on the Verge" of the 388th Bomb Group. Handwritten caption on reverse: '388th BG, 45th Combat Wing, 3rd Air Div.'
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Virgin On The Verge
  • Unit: 388th Bomb Group 561st Bomb Squadron 563rd Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Just AG
  • Unit: 388th Bomb Group 561st Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

AccidentReports.com, Losses of the 8th & 9th AFs Vol I by Bishop & Hey p. 342 / Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia