FRE 4404

IMAGE

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A bomber crew of the 306th Bomb Group with their B-17 Flying Fortress. Passed for publication 2 Feb 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'American Airmen Who Made First Daylight Raid On Germany. Big bombers of the United States Army Air Force made their first daylight raid on Germany recently when they dropped tons of high explosives on the Nazi naval base at Wilhelmshaven. The bombers, unescorted, met considerable fighter opposition and knocked down 22 for the loss of three bombers. Associated Press Photo Shows:- The crew of the First Flying Fortress to reach the target, with their ground staff. Left to right, top row: Col. Frank Armstrong of Nashville, Tenn., Group Commander; Lt. R.J. Salitrink of Alhambra, Calif., Navigator; Lt. Frank Taussi of Glendale, Calif., Bombardier; Sgt. Joseph E. Collette of N. Chelmsford, Mass., Engineer; Staff Sgt. Charles D. Hill of Baltimore, Maryland, Waist Gunner; Staff Sgt. Donald Tunstall of Darlington, S. Carolina, Tail Gunner; Staff Sgt. Raymond H. Erikson of Chicago, Ill., Ball Turret Gunner; Tech. Sgt. Robert A. Siavage of Eynon, Penn., Radio Operator; Major Claude E. Putnam of Jacksboro, Tex., Co-Pilot. TET 254769. 1-2-43-F.' On reverse: Associated Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

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People

A radio operator of the 306th Bomb Group in position inside a B-17 Flying Fortress. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Not to be published.' [stamp], '246555.' [Censor no.] A printed caption was attached to the reverse of the image, however this has been removed.
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 367th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 13025875
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator / Gunner
A bomber crew of the 306th Bomb Group with their B-17 Flying Fortress. Passed for publication 2 Feb 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'American Airmen Who Made First Daylight Raid On Germany. Big bombers of the United States Army Air Force made their first daylight raid on Germany recently when they dropped tons of high explosives on the Nazi naval base at Wilhelmshaven. The bombers, unescorted, met considerable fighter opposition and knocked down 22 for the loss of three bombers. Associated Press Photo S
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 367th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 14073191
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner

Revisions

Date:
ContributorLucy May
ChangesChanges to caption and person associations
Sources

Associated airmen from information in the image caption.

Date:
Contributorjrugman
ChangesChanges to person associations
Sources

Last name misspelt. Spelt as Eriksen, whereas it has been spelt above as Erikson. New name added to the list after the spelling had been solved

Date:
ContributorAAM
ChangesAAM ingest
Sources

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection