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| USAAF 5th AF 43rd BG 65th BS Former Assignments 5th BG 394th BS 19th BG 43rd BG 64th BS 403rd BS |
Aircraft History Built by Boeing at Seattle. Constructors Number 2459. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-17E Flying Fortress serial number 41-2648. On March 5, 1942 delivered to Lowry Field (Lowry Air Force Base). Later flown to Hickam Field. Wartime History On May 23, 1942 assigned to the 5th Bombardment Group (5th BG), 394th Bombardment Squadron (394th BS). No known nickname or nose art. In late May 1942 flown from Hickam Field with an extra bomb bay fuel tank to Midway Airfield on Eastern Island to search for Japanese Naval forces and participated in the Battle of Midway. Afterwards, returned to Hickam Field. By the middle of 1942 equipped equipped with a SCR-521 radar. Afterwards, flown across the Pacific to Australia. Assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group (19th BG). No known nickname or nose art. By April 1943, transfered to the 43rd Bombardment Group (43rd BG), 64th Bombardment Squadron (64th BS). Nicknamed "Stud Duck" a term for a man in charge of a business or organization with the nose art of the profile view of a duck holding an aerial bomb. This B-17 operated from 7 Mile Drome near Port Moresby. Although the SCR-521 radar was moderately effective, it was removed by June 1943 to reduce drag from the antenna and transmitter and extra weight. During June 1943 assigned to the 403rd Bombardment Squadron (403rd BS) and retained the prior nickname. This bomber was used as a transport and flew bombing and reconnaissance missions. On June 29, 1943 took off from 7 Mile Drome near Port Moresby on a flight to Dobodura to stage for a night mission. On June 30, 1943 after midnight took off from Dobodura on a bombing mission against Vunakanau Airfield near Rabaul. The formation included thirteen B-17s plus four B-24s from the 90th BG and 380th BG. Four bombers aborted the mission due to engine problems. Flying at 18,000', the formation descended to lower altitude for the bomb run. Over the target, the 403rd BS formation were targeted by anti-aircraft fire and this B-17 sustained damage to the no. 3 engine and left wing but returned safely. Afterwards, transfered to the 481st Service Squadron for repairs. In the middle of July 1943 transfered to 65th Bombardment Squadron (65th BS) and renamed "Lil Buster Upper". By the middle of September 1943 transfered out when the squadron converted to B-24 Liberators. By the end of this bomber's tour, a large scoreboard was painted on the left side of the nose with 102 bomb markings indicating missions flown and silhouettes of 3 ships claimed as sunk and 13 planes claimed as shot down. Above were five Purple Hearts inside white squares indicating crew members wounded on missions. On October 21, 1943 took off piloted by Major William L. Welch (former C.O. 403rd BS) with a large 5th Air Force logo on the tail leading a flight of four B-17s a ferry flight across the Pacific to the United States. These veteran bombers were to participate in a war bond tour that was later canceled. Afterwards, used as a training bomber at Tyndall Field for the flexible gunnery school. On November 8, 1946 scrapped at Walnut Ridge. References USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-17E Flying Fortress 41-2648 "2648 delivered Lowry Mar 5, 1942, Assigned to 19th BG in Hawaii May 23, 942. Participated in Battle of Midway. Transferred to Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, England Feb 15, 1943 for unspecified trials [unclear if accurate or in error]. Returned to USAAF Mar 9, 1943. To RFC at Walnut Ridge Nov 8, 1946." The Battle of Midway (1942) by John Ford includes footage of B-17E 41-2632 taking off from Midway Airfield Fortress Against The Sun pages 388 (41-2648 lists nickname as Little Buster / Upper / Fat Cat) Ken's Men Against The Empire Volume I (2020) pages 82 (photo SCR-521 radar), 246 (photo) 246-247 (June 30, 1943), 316 (photo), 317, 350 (photo), 352, 353, 355 (photo), 336 (64th BS, 42-2648 Stud Duck), 339 (65th BS, 41-2648 Lil Buster Upper), 340 (403rd BS, 41-2648 Stud Duck), 405 (index Lil Buster Upper), 412 (index Stud Duck) Contribute
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