Stuka the Scottish Terrier

Mascot
media-25225.jpeg UPL 25225 Capt James A Verinis, [17 Prince St., New Haven, Conn.], co-pilot of the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress "Memphis Belle" holding the crew's mascot, "Stuka", and Capt Charles B Leighton, [427 Haslett St., East Lansing, Mich].

NARA Ref 342-FH-3A06278-F23980AC.

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Object Number - UPL 25225 - Capt James A Verinis, [17 Prince St., New Haven, Conn.], co-pilot of the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress "Memphis Belle" holding the crew's mascot,...

Scottish terrier, crew mascot belonging to Capt James A Verinis, flew on B-17's 'Memphis Belle' and 'Connecticut Yankee'.

Stuka was born in England and was living in a pet shop in London when Captain Verinis found her and brought her to live with him where he was stationed, at the USAAF barracks near Bassingbourn. Captain Verinis and Stuka became great friends, together they helped boost the morale of the servicemen everywhere they went. Stuka became known as the ‘mascot of the Memphis Belle.’ She was a faithful companion of the crew of the Memphis Belle (she even had her own dog tags like the soldiers did!). Stuka ended her life as James's pet in the USA.

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Units served with

Unofficial emblem of the 91st Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

Staff Sergeant Casimer Nastal of the 91st Bomb Group in the waist gun position of his B-17 Flying Fortress (DF-A, serial number 41-24485) nicknamed "Memphis Belle" Passed for publication 10 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Not For Publication Before 00.30 June 10th. Flying Fortress Returns To U.S.A. After 25 Operations. June 1943. At an 8th Army Air Station somewhere in England, Lt.-Gen. Jacob L. Devers, and Major-General Ira. C. Eaker, bidded fare-well to the Flying Fortress "Memphis Belle" which i
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 91st Bomb Group 324th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 11010951 / O-438088
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot

Aircraft

Lieutenant-General Jacob L. Devers adresses a bomber crew of the 91st Bomb Group in front of their B-17 Flying Fortress (DF-A, serial number 41-24485) nicknamed "Memphis Belle". Passed for publication 10 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Not For Publication Before 00.30 June 10th. Flying Fortress Returns To U.S.A. After 25 Operations. June 1943. At an 8th Army Air Station somewhere in England, Lt.-Gen. Jacob L. Devers, and Major-General Ira. C. Eaker, bidded fare-well to the Flying Fortress "Memphis
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Memphis Belle
  • Unit: 91st Bomb Group 324th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Connecticut Yankee
  • Unit: 91st Bomb Group 324th Bomb Squadron

Places

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Stuka the Scottish Terrier: Gallery (8 items)