44-6093 USA The Hard Way

A bomber crew of the 91st Bomb Group led by Lieutenant John J Askins, with their B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "Qualified Quail". Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Crew of "Qualified Quail", Triangle-A, LL-K, Back Row: L to R; Antony Delaporto, Navigator; John J. Askins, Pilot; Randal Archer, Co-Pilot; Paul Collier, Bombardier. Front Row: Roger Armstron[g], Radio; Rob[er]t Webb, Ball Gunner; Hilmer Beicker, Engineer; Ralph Azevedo, Armorer/Gunner; Roy Loyless, Tail Gunner. media-408188.jpg FRE 3601 A bomber crew of the 91st Bomb Group led by Lieutenant John J Askins, with their B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "Qualified Quail". Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Crew of "Qualified Quail", Triangle-A, LL-K, Back Row: L to R; Anthony Dellaporta, Navigator; John J. Askins, Pilot; Randal Archer, Co-Pilot; Paul Collier, Bombardier. Front Row: Roger Armstron[g], Radio; Rob[er]t Webb, Ball Gunner; Hilmer Beicker, Engineer; Ralph Azevedo, Armorer/Gunner; Roy Loyless, Tail Gunner. Roger Freeman Collection

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection

Object Number - FRE 3601 - A bomber crew of the 91st Bomb Group led by Lieutenant John J Askins, with their B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "Qualified Quail". Handwritten...

Delivered Tulsa 29/4/44; Hunter 5/5/44; Grenier 19/5/44; Assigned 401BS/91BG [LL-J] Bassingbourn 27/5/44; 47m Missing in Action Merseburg 2/11/44 with Pilot: John Askins, Navigator: Tony Della Porta, Bombardier: Paul Collier, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Hilmer Beicker, Radio Operator: Roger Armstrong, Ball turret gunner: Bob Webb, Waist gunner: Harry Sackman,Tail gunner: Roy Loyless (8 Prisoner of War); Co-pilot: Randall Archer (KIA-by sniper on ground); 88m shell hit cockpit and set on fire enemy aircraft, crashed Clappenburg, Ger; Missing Air Crew Report 10141. U.S.A. - THE HARD WAY.

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Units served with

People

Lieutenant Anthony Delaporto a navigator of the 401st Bomb Squadron, 91st Bomb Group with a camera. Printed caption on reverse of print: 'Anthony Delaporto, Navigator, Qualified Quail. Fall 1944. 91st Bomb Group. Country Club of the E.T.O. 1 of 3 not KIA or injured.'

Anthony DellaPorta

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 91st Bomb Group 401st Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator
Sergeant Roy Loyless, a tail gunner of the 91st Bomb Group in position inside B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-95851) nicknamed "Qualified Quail" at Bassingbourn. Printed caption on reverse: 'Roy Loyless, tail gunner on "Qualified Quail" 91st Bomb Grp. 401st, Sqd,'

Roy E Loyless

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 91st Bomb Group 401st Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 38545285
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner

Harold A Sackman

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 91st Bomb Group 401st Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: waist gunner

Robert N Webb

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 91st Bomb Group 401st Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

Germany 2 November 1944

Revisions

Date
Contributorpdaskins
Changes
Sources

Added info on nose art from Roger Armstrong book "USA The Hard Way".

Date
Contributorpdaskins
Changes
Sources

No photo is known to exist of 44-6093, therefore used photo of crew that flew this aircraft on its last mission on November 2nd 1944.

Date
Contributorpdaskins
Changes
Sources

Added Nickname to Basic Details section

Date
ContributorPhillWray
Changes
Sources

Associated with information from AAM caption

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Dave Osborne, B-17 Fortress Master Log / MACR 10141 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database

44-6093: Gallery (2 items)