The flak damaged nose of a B-17 Flying Fortress of the 398th Bomb Group. Printed caption on reverse: '54600 AC- England- 1st lt Lawrence M De Lancey, Corvallis, Oregon, landed this B-17 safely after its nose was literally shot away by flak over Cologne, Germany. Please Credit: Official US Air Force Photo.' Printed caption on image: 'This B-17 landed safely after losing its nose to flak. US AAF Photo.' Handwritten caption on reverse: '43-38172 of 398th BG.'

Picture of the plane (43-38172) in which my uncle, George E. Abbott, was togglier and was killed by a direct flak hit 10-15-1944 over Cologne, Germany. Handed down from my grandmother.

Delancey Crew, 398th Bomb Group Pilot Lawrence M. Delancey, Co-Pilot Grady L. Cumbie ; Togglier George E. Abbott; Navigator Michael P. Ryan; Navigator: Raymond J. Le Deaux; Engineer Benjamin H. Ruckel; Radio Wendell A. Reed; Tail Gunner Herbert D. Guild; Ball Turret: Albert Albro. Notes: * Co-pilot on 10/15/44 was Phil Stahlman. Regular crew CP, Grady Cumbie was hospitalized that day with an ear infection. ** "Regular crew bombardier flying in this position (navigator on 10/15/44) for regular navigator Michael Ryan, who was flying lead". *** Russell Lachman, Waist Gunner, flew as "sub for regular George Abbott". Nuthampstead Ref: A9179