wrightr1820cyclone

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

Did the US High Command also deploy such planes to fight against the Luftwaffe in the skies over the European Mainland?

[https://www.flickr.com/photos/61468181@N04] No this was used just in the Pacific

A Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress (USAAF Ser. No. 41-2599), "Tugboat Annie" with an interesting combat history. As per the Joe Baugher site: www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1941_1.html

[D]elivered to Lowry Feb 26, 1942; transferred to Hamilton Jun 7, 1942; assigned to 19BG/96BS at Hickam, Hawaii Aug 1942; transferred to 43BG/65BS, ditched at sea Jan 16, 1943. Took part in the Battle of Midway.