B-17 Wesel

[Flupke]

Hello to all
I would like to know the serial number of a B-17 loss the 24/3/1945nearby Wesel , this aircraft was from 313TCG 29TCS the pilot was Lt Col Baldwin Benton R."Lucky"(RTD)
Part of the crew was T/Sgt Pearce Clarence A. (KIA)38332062---Hottelet Richard C. (RTD)(War Cor CBS )---Sgt Quandt Fred W. (RTD) (War Phot CBS) she was used by the Troop carrier unit carried photograps and reporters , the crew B/O but the pilot had made a belly landing !
Regards
Phil

[RSwank]

This link has the story of Lt Col Benton R Baldwin:

https://dmairfield.org/Collections/B...ion/index.html

There is even a photo of the crashed B-17, unfortunately the serial number is not quite readable.

There does not appear to have been a MACR or Accident Report written for the loss.

Richard C Hottelet's Collier's article on the event:

http://www.oldmagazinearticles.com/L...ticle-1945-pdf



There are a couple of photos on fold3.com:


https://www.fold3.com/image/29024235...o-reconnaissan

https://www.fold3.com/image/29024239...o-reconnaissan


https://www.fold3.com/image/32018457...benton,baldwin

https://www.fold3.com/image/32018458...-the-legion-of

[Flupke]

Many thanks
Regards
Phil

[Leendert]

B-17G 44-8768 is listed as MIA on 240345 with unit designation "9 TR CARR CMD". All other B-17 (combat) losses that month carry a BG number... Salvaged 060445.

Regards,
Leendert

[Leendert]

Found some additional info in a IX Troop Carrier Command narrative (Reel C5015):

Shot down by Ack-Ack
The Fortress, which carried Hottelet and eleven military personnel, including cameramen, Public Relations and other staff members, was shot down by anti-aircraft and all passengers except the pilot, Lt Col Benton R. Baldwin, (were) forced to bail out. Colonel Baldwin escaped injury when he made a successful belly landing, with his left wing on fire.
Technical Sergeant Clarence E. Pearce, Command Public Relations correspondent, was killed when his chute failed to open properly. He was with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, IX Troop Carrier Command. The other correspondents, Robert Wilson and Captain Freidheim, also were forced to jump from the flak-ridden aircraft, but returned from the mission".

In a reporters list just above this summary, Wilson (Associated Press) and Capt. Eric Freidheim (Air Force Magazine) are mentioned to be with (or 'embedded' in today's language?) with 313 TCG, hence perhaps the association of the B-17 loss with this TCG?

Regards,
Leendert

[Leendert]

Perhaps also interesting, this clipping: https://www.newspapers.com/article/t...eview/5685347/

Regards,
Leendert

[Flupke]

Thanks a lot Leendert , This serial is most probably the good one !