Pacific Wrecks - B-17E "Eager Beavers" Serial Number 41-9122

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B-17E "Eager Beavers" Serial Number 41-9122

USAAF
13th AF
11th BG
42nd BS

Pilot Captain Frank L. Houx, O-397398 (MIA/KIA) WY
Co-pilot 2nd Lt. Martin L. Carper, Jr. O-728058 (MIA/KIA) IL
Navigator 1st Lt. George H. Gammans, O-431827 (MIA/KIA) RI
Bombadier 2nd Lt. La Verne P. Hite, O-663245 (MIA/KIA) NY
Engineer S/Sgt Richard K. Wayne, 17001361 (MIA/KIA) MN
Radio S/Sgt Ernest L. Koch, 13080124 (MIA/KIA) PA
Engineer Leonard S. Knights, 15085192 (MIA/KIA)
Gunner Ernest Sweigert, 13003115 (MIA/KIA)
Radio Joseph A. Garvey, 31073147 (MIA/KIA) MA
Shot Down February 1, 1943
MACR 46482

Mission History
Nine B-17s took off from Henderson Field to bomb shipping in the Shortland area. This bomber was part of a four plane second element with 3 B-17s from the 42nd BG (this aircraft, B-17E 41-9151 and B-17E "Yokohama Express" 41-2442) plus one B-17 piloted by Captain Thomas (5th BG, 72nd BS). The second element was commanded by Captain Hall (CO of the 42nd BG).

After scoring hits on this target, this bomber was shot down by anti-aircraft fire near Shortland Harbor or southern Bougainville.

The sole surviving fourth plane, piloted by a Captan Thomas was also badly damaged but managed to crash land on Guadalcanal. Two crew members (radio and bombadier) were wounded.

Memorials
The crew was declared dead January 11, 1946. Memorialized on the tablets of the missing at Manila American Cemetery.

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B-17

MIA

Pacific Wrecks Incorporated is a non-profit charity 501(c)(3) Donate Now