Re: Unknown crash-landed B-17 in the Reich
 

I think the letter is a "J" , it also appears on the tail. Note: the fortlog seems to have the plane in the 525th BS, marked (FR-K) when it was lost.

However the four E&E statements, which can be read online, have the men in the 526th. They also have the crash site as "Mayenne".

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/5556840

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/5556841

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/5556984

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/5557053

Re: Unknown crash-landed B-17 in the Reich
 

Thanks

Yes I thought about that as well....
Freeman indicates a transfer from 526BS to 525BS before its loss while the MACR obviously still states it belonged to 526BS.

The code letter K could just as well be a misinterpretation of its 'triangle K' marking on the fin.

It is always a pity when a serial number cannot be read in full, but I agree that 42-3559 is still our best candidate.

Cheers
Stig