42-38211 Sleepy-time Gal

media-31756.jpeg UPL 31756 42-38211 "Sleepy Time Gal" shot down by fighters on March 8th, 1944, mission 14 for the 452nd. Target was the Erkner ball bearing factory on the outskirts of Berlin. The B-17 went down with it's full bomb load intact which can be seen on the ground in front of the aircraft in this photo. Co-Pilot - John Godsey and Bombardier - Anton Harris were KIA, remaining crew were POW.

452nd Bomb Group Assoc.

Object Number - UPL 31756 - 42-38211 "Sleepy Time Gal" shot down by fighters on March 8th, 1944, mission 14 for the 452nd. Target was the Erkner ball bearing factory on the...

Delivered Denver 16/1/44; Presque Is 12/44; Assigned 731BS/452BG [7D-M] Deopham Green 9/2/44; Missing in Action Berlin 8/3/44 with Theo McDonald, Navigator: Jacob Moskowitz, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Merle Cline, Radio Operator: Wilburn Rowden, Ball turret gunner: Bill Valigura, Waist gunner: Wendell Dowell, Waist gunner: Chas Bardorf,Tail gunner: Bob Allen (8 Prisoner of War); Co-pilot: John Godsey, Bombardier: Anton Harris (2KIA- shot on ground); enemy aircraft KO’d two engines, pilor ordered crew to bale, then crash landed alone at Landratsberg, between Borstel and Nopke, Ger. Missing Air Crew Report 3193. SLEEPY TIME GAL.

More details at http://franckruffino.chez.com/My-Site/B-17%2042-38211.htm

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 452nd Bomb Group.

452nd Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

Robert L Allen

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 452nd Bomb Group 731st Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner

Charles R Batdorf

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 452nd Bomb Group 731st Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 13152314
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: waist gunner

Mearl I Cline

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 452nd Bomb Group 731st Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner

Wendell E Dowell

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 452nd Bomb Group 731st Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: waist gunner

John Thomas Godsey

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 452nd Bomb Group 731st Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-754421
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

Germany 8 March 1944

Revisions

Date
ContributorRayWells
Changes
Sources

Changed connections

Date
ContributorRayWells
Changes
Sources

Updated bio with link to more details.

Date
Contributorphil marchese
Changes
Sources

Natural metal a/c with STG nose art removed. It is an image of a Martin B-26 Marauder.

Date
ContributorPete
Changes
Sources

452nd Bomb Group Assoc.

Date
ContributorPete
Changes
Sources

452nd Bomb Group Assoc.

Date
ContributorPete
Changes
Sources

452nd Bomb Group Assoc.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Dave Osborne, B-17 Fortress Master Log / MACR 3193 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database

42-38211: Gallery (1 items)

Object number: UPL 31756 - 42-38211 "Sleepy Time Gal" shot down by fighters...