FRE 1341

IMAGE

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AJ Ardzinski, a tail gunner of the 385th Bomb Group in position inside a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-32059) nicknamed "Poltergeist". Image via Tim Bivens. Bivens has handwritten on reverse: ' AJ Ardzinski- Tail gunner. Fred Heiser crew 550th BS, 385th BG, B-17G-35-BO "Poltergeist" 42-32059.' Bivens enclosed a letter with the print: 7-14-03, Hello Roger, Got another “Mystery B-17” for you. Just recently obtained the enclosed prints from slides taken by the co-pilot Bob James in the photos. As noted, he was KIA flying a Mossie after his 385th BG tour. He shared some of the slides with crew members, my copies coming from the gunner Julius King....This crew’s assigned B-17G shows up in photo No 2 They called the plane “Poltergeist” but Mr King says he doesn’t think it was ever painted on the plane. They later were shot down while flying 43-38156. If you have any info on 42-107054, let me know…..’ This plane was also called "Vagabond" according to the 385th records. 42-107054 is known as "Vat 69" (we have nose art of her as well)

Connections

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Units

The insignia of the 385th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

AJ Ardzinski, a tail gunner of the 385th Bomb Group in position inside a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-32059) nicknamed "Poltergeist". Image via Tim Bivens. Bivens has handwritten on reverse: ' AJ Ardzinski- Tail gunner. Fred Heiser crew 550th BS, 385th BG, B-17G-35-BO "Poltergeist" 42-32059.' Bivens enclosed a letter with the print: 7-14-03, Hello Roger, Got another “Mystery B-17” for you. Just recently obtained the enclosed prints from slides taken by the co-pilot Bob James in the photos. A
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 550th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 12150071
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner

Aircraft

AJ Ardzinski, a tail gunner of the 385th Bomb Group in position inside a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-32059) nicknamed "Poltergeist". Image via Tim Bivens. Bivens has handwritten on reverse: ' AJ Ardzinski- Tail gunner. Fred Heiser crew 550th BS, 385th BG, B-17G-35-BO "Poltergeist" 42-32059.' Bivens enclosed a letter with the print: 7-14-03, Hello Roger, Got another “Mystery B-17” for you. Just recently obtained the enclosed prints from slides taken by the co-pilot Bob James in the photos. A
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Poltergeist, Vagabond
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 550th Bomb Squadron
John A. Daugherty, a radio man of the 385th Bomb Group sits atop a B-17 Flying Fortress. Another Fortress (serial number 42-107054) nicknamed "Vat 69" is visible in the background. Image via Tim Bivens. Bivens has handwritten on the reverse: 'John A Daugherty- Radio man. Fred Heiser crew 550th BS, 385th BG. In background B-17G-35-DL "Vat 69". Bivens enclosed a letter with the print: '7-14-03, Hello Roger, Got another “Mystery B-17” for you. Just recently obtained the enclosed prints from slides taken
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 551st Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date:
Contributorclunds
ChangesChanges to caption
Sources

official 385th records

Date:
ContributorAAM
ChangesAAM ingest
Sources

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection