FRE 13971

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Ground personnel of the 94th Bomb Group, Master-Sergeant Alan Ries, Sergeant George Wheatley and Corporal Kenneth Bourdon use an improvised hoist to lift engine parts for a B-17 Flying Fortress. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press Copyright.' [stamp], 'Passed for Publication 14 Dec 1943.' [stamp] and '296511' [photo bureau No]. Printed caption on reverse: 'AN ENGINEERING SECTION OF A U.S. SERVICE SQUADRON. The Engineering Section of the Service Squadron at this base is setting what is believed to be a record for ingenuity and production on Flying Fortresses. Since coming to the ETO a few months ago, the enlisted men of this section have produced several inventions and aids taht have no counterpart anywhere in the U.S. Air Forces. In one case a patent has been applied for. The men of the whole squadron had trained on the B-26 and had never worked on the B-17 before their arrival at this base. AssocIated Press Photo shows :- One of several pieces of equipment in the Prop shop that were built by the crew that works there is this prop hoist. Using an old broken engine rack. Some odd chunks of pipe and a chain and pulley, Master Sgt. Alan W, Ries (left), 6414 Landview Ave, Pittsburg, PA., constructed the hoist to speed the repair work that is necessary to keep the Flying Fortresses in the air. Centre is Sgt George Wheatley, Brigham City, Utah and (right) Cpl. Kenneth Bourdon, Ironton, Minn. IRV 263180 131243 IRV 263181.'

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IWM, Roger Freeman Collection (uploaded May/2023)