42-5435

Delivered Cheyenne 8/12/42; Morrison 8/2/43; Assigned 303BG Molesworth 9/2/43; transferred 366BS/305BG [KY-F] Chelveston 25/2/43; Missing in Action St Nazaire 1/5/43 with Einer Suomi, Co-pilot: Erwin Schott, Navigator: Rene Clark, Bombardier: Clarry Gillespie, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Fairen Sion, Radio Operator: Chas Hirsch, Ball turret gunner: Willis Gibson, Waist gunner: Bob Markli, Waist gunner: Dick Spelts,Tail gunner: Warden Cain (10 Killed in Action); enemy aircraft, ditched Bay of Biscay. Missing Air Crew Report 15721.

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

Units served with

Unofficial emblem, 305th Bomb Group.

305th Bomb Group

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

People

Warden Cain

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 305th Bomb Group 366th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 18067961
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner

Rene C Clark

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 305th Bomb Group 366th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-728343
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator

Willis I Gibson

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 366th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner

Clarence W Gillespie

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 305th Bomb Group 366th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-728469
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier

Charles B Hirsch

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 366th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

France 1 May 1943

Revisions

Date
ContributorRoss Smith
Changes
Sources

Added Chelveston to related places.

Date
ContributorRoss Smith
Changes
Sources

Added KY-F squadron codes based on the footage in the Memphis Belle outtake reels

Date
ContributorRoss Smith
Changes
Sources

Changed incorrect 306BG Thurleigh to correct 305BG Chelveston.

This site shows the transfer of 42-5435 from the 303rd bomb group to the 305th bomb group on the 25th February 1943. http://www.303rdbg.com/aircraft.html

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Dave Osborne, B-17 Fortress Master Log / MACR 15721 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database