" Sgt Jack Gaffney, [ San Bernardino, California ], has named his engine on a Boeing B-17 after his best back-home girl Judith sorry, but It's true- Judith will never receive from Dalton one-half of the loving care that her engine namesake does ". - Sgt Jack Gaffney of the 401st Bomb Sqn, 91st BG during his assignment as assistant crew chief on B-17F 42-5070 "Invasion II" (coded LL-A). In addition to his mechanic duties, Gaffney created "nose art" for seven different 91st BG Fortresses. He painted nose art for "Invasion II" (42-5070), "The Bad Egg" , "The Sky Wolf, Shamrock Special, Destiny's Child, Los Angeles City Limits, Sunkist Sue. Jack Paul Gaffney was born on Oct 16th, 1918 - passed away on July 17th, 2011. Sgt Benedict Borostowski Ball Turret Gunner climbs into his position for a photo in the background. NARA Ref 342-FH-3A12473-60295AC.

Ground crew of the 97th Bomb group carry out engine maintenance on a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 41-9045) nicknamed "Stinky" at Grafton Underwood. This aircraft was transferred to the 92nd Bomb Group 24 August 1942. Image stamped: 'Passed for Publication 14 Aug 1942'.[stamp]. 'Illustrated Copyright (Jarché)' [stamp]. '254685' [Censor no]. Printed caption on reverse: '(5) Ground mechanics making adjustments to one of the giant Wright motors. The U.S. Air Force have brought all their own ground and maintenance staff with them. The open bomb doors shown below give some idea of the capacious stowage in the Fortress bomb bays.' FRE 738

B-17G 42-31812 "Destiny's Child" (coded LL-H) of the 401st Bomb Sqn, 91st Bomb Grp. Crew chief Jack Gaffney's pride and joy, he was awarded a Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in his maintenance actions.

B-17F 42-29591 "The Shamrock Special" (coded LL-Z), 401st Bomb Sqn, 91st Bomb Grp, Bassingbourn. The ship was named by assistant crew chief Sgt Jack Gaffney in honor of his stepfather's Irish ancestry.

Jack Gaffney and "The Shamrock Special." 1943 Photo contributed by Jack Gaffney