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| USAAF 5th AF 43rd BG 403rd BS Former Assignments 19th BG 435th BS |
Aircraft History Built by Boeing at Seattle. Constructors Number 2450. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-17E Flying Fortress serial number 41-2639. On March 5, 1942 flown to Lowry Field. On April 4, 1942 flown to Boise. Ferried from Hamilton Field to Hickam Field. Wartime History On May 27, 1942 assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group (19th BG), 435th Bombardment Squadron (435th BS) "Kangaroo Squadron". No known nickname or nose art. Flown from Hickam Field then across the Pacific to Australia. On July 17, 1942 took off took off from Bomber 1 on Espiritu Santo on piloted by Lt. Ramsey on a reconnaissance flight over Tulagi and Guadalcanal. Aboard were two U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) officers: Lt. Col. Merrill B. Twining, assistant operations officer 1st Marine Division and Maj. William McKean. The Marines were looking for the best locations for the upcoming amphibious landings. Over the target, intercepted by two A6M2-N Rufes with the top turret gunner Sgt. Edward Van Every claiming one shot down and waist gunner Cpl. James Underwood claiming the other. Together, they expended 800 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition at ranges from 200 to 300 yards. The photographs taken failed to get to Marine planners in a timely manner due to administrative mishandling. The Marines observed no extensive beach defenses in likely landing areas on Guadalcanal. During late November 1942, assigned to the 43rd Bombardment Group (43rd BG), 403rd Bombardment Squadron (403rd BS). On January 5, 1943 took off from 7 Mile Drome near Port Moresby piloted by Captain Ealon Hocutt on a bombing mission against Lakunai Airfield near Rabaul. Aboard was gunner Quinllen. This B-17 was one of three B-17s from the 403rd Bombardment Squadron along with B-17F "The Reckless Mountain Boys" 41-24518 and B-17F 41-24538 each armed with 100 pound general purpose bombs. Inbound, B-17F "The Reckless Mountain Boys" 41-24518 aborted the mission due to engine problems. The approach was be made by coming over Raratuna Crater on heading at 1,700' making diving 90 degree turn crossing 2,000' and make 30 second run then make 100 degree turn away from the target area and return base. Over the target, this B-17 was damaged and returning from the mission landed at Pongani Airfield. Afterwards, flown back back to base and repaired. On January 17, 1943 after landing at Turnbull Airfield (No. 3 Strip) near Milne Bay, this B-17 was caught on the ground during a Japanese air raid by G4M1 Betty bombers escorted by A6M Zeros. After being hit, this bomber burst into flames and was destroyed on the ground. Officially written off on January 21, 1943. Wreckage Ultimate fate unknown, likely scrapped or otherwise disappeared. On March 2, 1943, a piece of fabric from the rudder of this bomber, B-17E 41-2639 or B-17F "Fire Ball Mail" 41-24551 was souvenir by Private Clarence C. Evief from the 58th Signal Battalion. References Individual Aircraft Record Card (IARC) B-17E Flying Fortress 41-2639 USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-17E Flying Fortress 41-2639 "2639 delivered to Lowry Mar 5, 1943 [sic 1942]; transferred to Boise Apr 4, 1942; assigned to 19G at Hickam, Hawaii May 27, 1942; WO Jan 19, 1943." 5th Air Force Advon message A5AFJ352D (time of origin 091641L). "weather caused to land Pongani." Diary of Raymond Quinllen - January 5, 1943 "landed at an emergency strip at Buna" [Pongani] Fortress Against the Sun (2001) pages 222, 330, 388 Ken’s Men Against The Empire The Illustrated History of the 43rd Bombardment Group During World War II Volume I: Prewar to October 1943 The B-17 Era (2016) page 120 (photo), 331 (403rd BS, 41-2639) Thanks to Richard Dunn and Steve Birdsall for additional information Contribute
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