42-31917 Off Spring

A B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-31917) nicknamed "Off Spring" of the 551st Bomb Squadron, 385th Bomb Group. Handwritten caption on reverse: '551BS/385BG. 231917. B-17 Flying Fortress, 6736. 2 of 6 pics.' media-413664.jpg FRE 4980 A B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-31917) nicknamed "Off Spring" of the 551st Bomb Squadron, 385th Bomb Group. Handwritten caption on reverse: '551BS/385BG. 231917. B-17 Flying Fortress, 6736. 2 of 6 pics.' Roger Freeman Collection

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection

Object Number - FRE 4980 - A B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-31917) nicknamed "Off Spring" of the 551st Bomb Squadron, 385th Bomb Group. Handwritten caption on reverse:...

Delivered Cheyenne 4/1/44; Kearney 13/1/44; Grenier 26/1/44; Assigned 551BS/385BG [SG-S] Gt Ashfield 2/2/44; Missing in Action Munich 12/7/44 with Capt Rich White, Co-pilot: Clarry Gittins, Navigator: Jim Johnston, Bombardier: Pat Flanagan, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Marvin Nieman, Radio Operator: Harry Fitzwater, Ball turret gunner: Homer Comegys, Waist gunner: Sam Canter, Waist gunner: Bill Lord (9 Killed in Action);Tail gunner: Bob McPherson (Prisoner of War); mid air coll with 42-102606 (385BG), both broke up and crashed Perl, Luxemberg. Missing Air Crew Report 7507. OFF SPRING was originally named for the newborn son of one time pilot Duane (Pappy) Pangle.

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Units served with

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 551st Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 551st Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 551st Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 388th Bomb Group 96th Bomb Group 560th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Major
  • Role/Job: Pilot
James Johnston
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 551st Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: T-124718
  • Highest Rank: Flight Officer
  • Role/Job: Navigator

Places

Aircraft

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

France 12 July 1944

Revisions

Date
ContributorRickDavis
Changes
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ContributorRickDavis
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ContributorRickDavis
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ContributorRickDavis
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Date
Contributorjmchristel
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Sources

Added nickname

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Dave Osborne, B-17 Fortress Master Log / MACR 7507 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database

42-31917: Gallery (3 items)