Aircraft History
Evacuated from Java to Australia. Assigned to pilot Captain George K Shako and served with the 43rd Bombardment Group, 65th Bombardment Squadron. Nicknamed "Yankee Diddl'er (Wouldn't It Root Ya)" with a reclining nude figure on the side of the nose.

Also served with 93rd BS, 28th BS & 8th PRS.

This B-17 was assigned to the 39th Troop Carrier Squadron and assigned squadron number 25. The lower turret was removed and cargo bins installed in the bomb bay, engines replaced and the bomber was repainted, 'covering her risque nude art work and the long row of bombs recording more than 60 missions she had made'.

The converted bomber flew its first mission on December 19, 1943 with four quartermaster soldiers to drop the cargo, in addition to the armed transport's crew including pilot Captain Lee Bird, navigator Lt. Seymour M. Schafer, waist gunner Sgt Lewis K. Scott and tail gunner SSgt Paul Blasewitz. Likely SSgt George Prezioso as radio operator.

Ground looped at Finschafen Airfield on January 29, 1944. Repaired and later scrapped at Brisbane in January 1945.

References
Thanks to Steve Birdsall for additional information.

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Last Updated
June 30, 2010