media-413571.jpg FRE 4886 A bomber crew led by Ralph E. Pulcipher of the 547th Bomb Squadron, 384th Bomb Group with their B-17F Flying Fortress (SO-S, serial number 42-5843) nicknamed "Black Ghost". Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Ralph E. Pulcipher crew, 547BS, 384BG. Lost on Sept. 6, 1943 aboard B-17F-25-VE "Black Ghost" 42-5843, SO*S. 7 POW, 3 EVD (their 14th mission).' On reverse: From Tim Bivens Collection [Stamp]. Caption from Tim Bivens: 'I recently obtained the enclosed pix from Mr. William McLain who flew in the 384th BG. I research the B-17F they were shot down in, “Black Ghost”, which was coded SO*S. The enclosed crew photo shows them by the right side of this Fort, but the codes read S*OS. I’ve never noticed codes arranged this way, probably should have been S*SO don’t you think? ' This image was taken after a mission on 28 June 1943. Back Row: William Eudey (N), *James Ray Martin-Vegue (N), *Robert E. Langlois (TG), Ralph R. Pulcipher (CP), Col Budd J. Peaslee (P, Group Commander), Paul S. Givens (B). Front Row: Asbury Lee Perkins (R), Willard D. Mclain (BT), Judson L. Dacus (Eng/TT), Thomas E. Furrey (WG), Joe M. Hawkins (WG). Langlois, a pilot, was assigned the tail gun position to serve as formation observer. Roger Freeman Collection

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