boeingb17

notice: "Ginoza - Armorer Gunner Captured by germans when bailed out"

A Douglas - Long Beach-built B-17G (B-17G-50-DL) Flying Fortress, USAAF Ser. No. 44-6430 (c/n 22653). As per the Joe Baugher site: www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1944_1.html

Failed to return from a mission to railway marshalling yards at Maribor, Slovenia, Yugoslavia 7Nov44 (3KIA:4POW:3EVD). The plane was struck by flak just as it started the bomb run. No.1 engine received a direct hit knocking off the propeller. The engine was burning from the fore part with flames extending the length of the nacelle. Shortly after, the plane started to veer back and in towards the rear element which caused considerable confusion. Then, the pilot seemed to start a very slow turn to the right, losing considerable altitude. The fire intensity was growing. The crew began to bail out as the plane exploded and crashed Slovenske Konjice, Slovenia, Yugoslavia

This plane is actually the famous Hell's Angels from the 303rd Bomb Group, B-17F #42-24577 (358BS) VK-D. This information is provided by www.303rdBG.com. Please see www.303rdbg.com/pp-hellsangelscrew.html In the photo: On top of the aircraft from Left to Right: S/Sgt David Miller (TG), S/Sgt James H. Comer, Jr. (LWG), S/Sgt Frank Kimotek (R), S/Sgt Alfred R. Buinicky (BT), S/Sgt Walter Gasser (AE/RWG), T/Sgt M.D. Ignaczewski (E), 1Lt William J. Monahan (P), 1Lt Ripley W. Joy (P), 2Lt William P. Maher (N), 2Lt Walter Hargrove (B), On propeller hub: Crew Chief Fabian Folmer Ground Crewmen on scaffolding: (Back L-R) Edward A. West, Jr., John R. Kosilla, Wilson Fairfield (Front L-R) John R. Johnson, Earnest Touhey, Kasmer Weygrayn On the bomb: unknown Armorers In the Jeep: Major Kirk R. Mitchell