43-38971

media-35012.jpeg UPL 35012 Original photograph: National Archives, College Park, MD.

After the bomb run on March 23, 1945, Ol' Scrapiron (42-31582) dropped from the 4th Bomb Wing formation and joined the 34th Bomb Group formation returning to England from its mission to Geisecke. Near Koblenz, one of the 34th aircraft (43-38971) was struck by flak, losing its wing. The damaged aircraft first rolled into a plane from the 487th, which remained flying, before colliding with Ol' Scrapiron. The plane from the 447th with the Bruckman crew onboard was broken apart at the waist.

Tailgunner Byron Schlag was the only member of the crew able to bail out, after riding the tail section down to 8,000 feet -- at times losing consciousness from lack of oxygen. Amazingly, Ed Shibble survived the fall (though sustaining serious injuries), trapped in the ball turret until it broke free of the aircraft as it crashed through some trees. The two gunners were captured. The rest of the crew perished along with the entire crew from the 34th.

From MACR 13617:

At 1347 hours, 27000 ft. altitude, the A/C flying No. 11 position of the 34th Group was hit by flak and peeled off to the left. After glancing off A/C of the 487th Group, No. 11 struck A/C #582 who went into a tight spin. The right wing folded and there was one explosion within the A/C in mid-air. #582 then hit the ground in a wooded area and exploded again. 2 chutes were observed. Coordinates were approximately (5040-0740). This report corroborated by 93rd Wing, 34th Bomb Group and 487th Bomb Group.

Added collection name

Object Number - UPL 35012 - Original photograph: National Archives, College Park, MD. After the bomb run on March 23, 1945, Ol' Scrapiron (42-31582) dropped from the 4th Bomb...

Delivered Hunter 24/10/44; Dow Fd 9/11/44;



Assigned 7BS/34BG Mendlesham 10/11/44; 18BS;



Missing in Action Ahlhorn, Ger 23/3/45 with Myron Bolser, Co-pilot: Roger Maillard, Navigator: Homer Lancaster, tog-Jay Esholman, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Tom Jerris, Radio Operator: John Heckman, Ball turret gunner: Don Stamos, Waist gunner: Russell Frost, Tail gunner: Albert Pegg (9 Killed in Action); crash landed continent; Salvaged 23/3/45; Missing Air Crew Report 13598.

Connections

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

Units served with

A B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 44-8309) nicknamed "Ol' Buddy" of the 18th Bomb Squadron, 34th Bomb Group at Mendelsham. Pete Gray was the aircraft's crew chief. Handwritten caption on reverse: '18th B.S. 34th BG. Pete Gray C/C.'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 34th Bomb Group
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 34th Bomb Group 18th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: Q-777096
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 34th Bomb Group 18th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 33501052
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 34th Bomb Group 18th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 36752634
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: waist gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 34th Bomb Group 18th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 15359109
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 34th Bomb Group 18th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 32674898
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner

Places

Missions

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Ol Scrapiron
  • Unit: 447th Bomb Group 711th Bomb Squadron

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

Germany 23 March 1945

Crashed

Revisions

Date
Contributorjhuck
Changes
Sources

Removed erroneous nickname, John G. Huck

Date
Contributorjhuck
Changes
Sources

John G. Huck

Date
ContributorLucy May
Changes
Sources

Changed date of MIA from 22 March 1945 to 23 March 1945 according to 34th unit history:
Valor to Victory website - account of the mission: http://valortovictory.tripod.com/1945-03.htm

For a photo of the moment after the collision see this image from the 447th Bomb Group website: http://www.447bg.com/19450323%20Mid-Air%20Collision%20Bruckman-Bolser.jā€¦

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Dave Osborne, B-17 Fortress Master Log / MACR 13598 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database

43-38971: Gallery (1 items)