Aircraft History
Built by Boeing. Delivered to the US Army on June 11, 1942. Ferried overseas to Australia by Kenneth D. McCullar. Assigned to the 43rd BG, 63rd BS. In addition it was attached to the 19th BG, 435th Bombardment Squadron initially. Afterwards, transfered to the 43rd BG, 64th BS.

Wartime History
On April 17, 1943 this B-17 took off on a training flight from 7-Mile Drome piloted by Captian Charles Giddings. Near Hood Point, it collided with B-17F 41-24425 thirty miles southeast of Port Moresby. This bomber sustained damage to its tail and returned to 7-Mile Drome safely. The other bomber crashed into the sea, killing the entire crew.

Repaired and returned to service, this B-17 was later wrecked on the ground.

On September 16, 1943 this B-17 taxied into a ditch and was written off.

References
Pride of Seattle page 6
Thanks to Steve Birdsall for additonal information

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
May 14, 2010