42-31043 Hells Belle / Elsie Mae

media-37175.jpeg UPL 37175 A bomber crew of the 379th Bomb Group with their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-31043) nicknamed "Hells Belle".

US Air Force Official Photo via Fold 3

Object Number - UPL 37175 - A bomber crew of the 379th Bomb Group with their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-31043) nicknamed "Hells Belle".

Delivered Cheyenne 10/9/43; Assigned 381BG Ridgewell 19/10/43; transferred 526BS/379BG [LF-L] Kimbolton 3/3/44. Originally nicknamed "Hells Belle", before changing to "Elsie Mae"



Damaged beyond repair on cross country training flight on 12/9/44 with Capt John Martin, Co-pilot: Capt Bob Harsberger, Navigator: Wayne Kalers, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Edwin Kiplinger, Radio Operator: Jim Bennett (5 Returned to Duty); landing gear collapsed 12/9/44; Salvaged 2 SAD Lt Staughton 14/9/44.

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 379th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 381st Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 526th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 13062517 at enlistment, the O-677207
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
  • Role/Job: Pilot
A bomber crew of the 526th Bomb Squadron, 379th Bomb Group return to base with their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-37764) nicknamed "Dragon Lady" after a mission. Image stamped on reverse: 'Copyright Planet News.' [stamp], 'Passed for Publication 1 jan 1944.' [stamp] and '298282.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'Photo Shows:- The crew of "Dragon Lady" telling of their experience when they were attacked by Focke Wulfe fighters. Right to left:- Lt. Ray Lohr, pilot, of Tampa, Florida; Lt A
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 526th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 526th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 526th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 526th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant

Places

Revisions

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Added the Production block number and Manufacturer per info on the internet. 

SOURCE:  https://b17flyingfortress.de/en/production-block/b-17g-1-bo-42-31032-42…

 

Date
ContributorEmily
Changes
Sources

Information on the aircraft from Fold 3

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Dave Osborne, B-17 Fortress Master Log

42-31043: Gallery (4 items)