42-31327
USAAF accident report photo
Object Number - UPL 38241 - B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-31327) of the 306th Bomb Group after crash landing, 31 December 1943.
Delivered Cheyenne 20/10/43; Gr Island 1/11/43; Romulus 6/11/43; Assigned 367BS/306BG [GY-N] Thurleigh 12/12/43; Assigned Merignac crew, 31/12/43; Ran out of gas & crashed Stevenage, Herts, hitting tree, causing several injuries, and Co-pilot: Ellis Andras (Killed in Service); Salvaged AFSC 1/1/44. Merignac, Pilot (?) Chas Smith, Navigator: E.H. Weiner, Bombardier: D.L. Claytor, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Chas Weller, Radio Operator: W.C. Lindsey, Ball turret gunner: Clarry Marlow, Waist gunner: J.M. Moloney, Waist gunner: W.C. Maddox,Tail gunner: C.R. Pulciver (9 Returned to Duty).
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 306th Bomb Group 367th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-687524 and 38184637 on enlisting
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Co-Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 306th Bomb Group 367th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-685817
- Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
- Role/Job: Bombardier
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 306th Bomb Group 367th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Radio Operator
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 306th Bomb Group 367th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 34393343
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Role/Job: Waist Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 306th Bomb Group 367th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 32663291
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: waist gunner
Places
![A bomber crew of the 306th Bomb Group wave to Picture Post Girls in front of a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 41-24471) nicknamed "Four of a Kind" at Thurleigh in December 1942. Image stamped on reverse: '"Picture Post" [stamp], 'Passed for Publication 11 Dec 1942.' [stamp], '238038.' [Censor no.] Handwritten in censor's blue pencil on reverse: 'American Flying Fortress crew are introduced to the girls they will meet at Picture Post Xmas Party.'](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-379028.jpg.webp?itok=6Gc6iR0j)
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Bedford
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Other Failed to Return (FTR) |
31 December 1943 | Olive drab over gray |
Revisions
Photo for factory finish.
Organizied synopsis for clarity. No change in content.
Added series and mfg'r
P. Marchese Feb 8 2024
