42-31188 Dead Man's Hand

media-15757.jpeg UPL 15757 42-31188 "Dead Man's Hand"

Website of the 447th Bomb Group Association: http://447bg.com/42-31188.htm

Object Number - UPL 15757 - 42-31188 "Dead Man's Hand"

Delivered Cheyenne 30/9/43; Harvard 16/10/43; Assigned 709BS/447BG Rattlesden 21/11/43; Missing in Action Pirna (111m)19/4/45 with Bob Glazener, Ray Fortier, Ernie Purcifull, Seb Bucceri, Hobart Jarvis, Theo Ciernier, no wg ?, Jim Burton (7 Prisoner of War); Harry Cramer (Killed in Action); jet enemy aircraft, crashed Dresden, Ger. Missing Air Crew Report 14180. DEAD MAN'S HAND.(Last heavy bomber lost to enemy aircraft).



One of the 447th's "Century Ships", Dead Man's Hand is credited with 111 combat missions, and on its final mission had the sad distinction of being the last combat loss for the 447th and the last 8th Air Force heavy lost to German fighters in the War.

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 447th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 447th Bomb Group 709th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 447th Bomb Group 709th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 447th Bomb Group 709th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 447th Bomb Group 709th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 447th Bomb Group 709th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Captain
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

Germany 19 April 1945

Revisions

Date
ContributorJasonR
Changes
Sources

Sources: 447th Bomb Group Association website 447bg.com and book "Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany" by Donald L. Miller.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Dave Osborne, B-17 Fortress Master Log / MACR 14180 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database

42-31188: Gallery (2 items)