42-39945 Holy Hellcat

A bomber crew of the 306th Bomb Group stand underneath the flak damaged wing of a B-17 Flying Fortress. A B-17 (serial number 42-39945) nicknamed "Holy Hellcat" is visible in the background. Image stamped on reverse: 'Graphic Photo Union.' [stamp] and 'Daily Sketch Copyright.' [stamp] media-379029.jpg FRE 1163 A bomber crew of the 306th Bomb Group stand underneath the flak damaged wing of a B-17 Flying Fortress. A B-17 (serial number 42-39945) nicknamed "Holy Hellcat" is visible in the background. Image stamped on reverse: 'Graphic Photo Union.' [stamp] and 'Daily Sketch Copyright.' [stamp] Roger Freeman Collection

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection

Object Number - FRE 1163 - A bomber crew of the 306th Bomb Group stand underneath the flak damaged wing of a B-17 Flying Fortress. A B-17 (serial number 42-39945) nicknamed...

Delivered Long Beach 13/10/43; Gr Island 8/11/43; Assigned 423BS/306BG [RD-S] Thurleigh 12/12/43; Missing in Action Aschersleben 22/2/44 with J.P. Tooms Jr, co-Howard Taunton, Navigator: Alby Pulver, Bombardier: Buford Branom, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Ralph Wheeler, Radio Operator: Paul Gaire, Tail gunner: Virgil Chappie (7 Killed in Action); Ball turret gunner: Calvin Brend, Waist gunner: John Foley, Waist gunner: Bill Harris (3 Prisoner of War); enemy aircraft, crashed Herfun, just S of Waldbrol, 19 miles W of Siegen, Ger; Missing Air Crew Report 2649. HOLY HELLCAT.

Connections

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Units served with

People

William V Harris

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 423rd Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: waist gunner

Albert Gilbert Pulver

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 423rd Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator

Howard C Taunton

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 423rd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-681740
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot

J P Toombs

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 423rd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-677327
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Ralph H Wheeler

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 423rd Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

France 22 February 1944

Revisions

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Added a connection to the 8th AF. Added a space in the A/C “Description” for readability.

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Data from 8th AF Historical Society on MIA aircraft.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Dave Osborne, B-17 Fortress Master Log / MACR 2649 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database

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