43-38294 The Wrangler
B-17G-85-BO
July 18, 1944 delivered to Cheyenne
July 26, 1944 to Kearney
August 7, 1944 to Grenier
August 9, 1944 Assigned to 7th Squadron, 34th Bomb Group, Mendlesham
Mission #64 September 17, 1944 43-38294 E/O 4BS Hemingway
Mission #65 September 19, 1944 43-38294 E/O (unused ground spare)
Mission #66 September 22, 1944 43-38294 E/O 7BS Whited, R. L. (Lost – collision)
B-17G 43-38294 E/O “The Wrangler” With 7BS. Missing in Action Kassel mid-air collision. The collision occurred as the planes uncovered for the bomb run and was thought to be caused by prop wash which caused this plane, flying in position 3-2, to drop down onto 43-38399, which was in position 4-1. This plane sustained damage to the wing as its #3 engine sheared the tail assembly from the other plane. It dropped of on its right wing going straight down, exploding about 5,000 feet below the formation. As many as five chutes were seen and 5 crewmembers did survive to be taken Prisoners of War. Crashed Buren, Germany. Pilot: Whited. Missing Air Crew Report # 10199. 4 Killed in Action, 5 Prisoner of War.
KIA WHITED RICHARD L (P) 1 LT 7 O-1293688 30 RAPATTE IL
POW McDERMOTT MYRON DEAN (CP) 1 LT 7 O-809018 28
POW JORGENSON WAYNE LEO (N) 1 LT 7 O-703267 22
POW LAMBERT HENRY KENNETH (B) 1 LT 7 O-695504 28
KIA MOYER EDWIN N (E/TT) T/SGT 7 39249001 29 WHITTIER CA
KIA WASHCO MARCEL A V (R) SGT 7 32737793 5 BINGHAMPTON NY
POW MINK CLAYTON ALBERT (BT) S/SGT 7 12005431 22
KIA GARMAN WALLACE C (TG) S/SGT 7 36657196 26 STERLING IL
POW BRAUKS WALLACE GEORGE (WG) S/SGT 7 17073803 25