Fincke flew his first mission on a B-17 named the LADY GAY. B-17 Flying Fortress #44-6165 "Lady Gay" was assigned to the 730BS/452BG at Deopham Green, England on June 11th, 1944; on return from Chemnitz February 6th, 1945 with Pilot: Don Hamaker, Co-pilot: Tony Hudson, Navigator: Dave Freeman, T/Sgt Dan Winters, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Tony Capaci, Radio Operator: Richard Ladd, Ball turret gunner: Rich Nixon, Waist gunner: Bob Osborne and Tail gunner: John Fincke, they sustained a flak hit and due to damaged instruments were forced land in a field outside Ghent, Belgium. After repairs, they flew back to UK.