| Serial Number: | 42-29960 |
| Name: |
NYMOKYMI The name is thought to refer to the home states of crewmembers. The Erickson crew flew this plane on each of its combat missions, and investigation reveals that the ORIGINAL Erickson Crew had members from New York (4), Missouri (1), Kentucky (2), and Michigan (1) - but also from Pennsylvania (1) and New Jersey (1). |
| Manufacturer: | Built by the Boeing Airplane Company, B-17F-80-BO, Camouflage |
| Squadron: | 544th Bombardment Squadron (H) |
| Squadron ID Code: | 544th‑SU*J |
| Start Date: | 1 April 1943. Original AC. |
| Missions: | This aircraft was credited with 2 combat missions with the 384th. |
| End Date: | 4 July 1943. Failed to return from combat operations. |
| Related Documents: | Post Loss Document File #5⇗ |
| Photo Album: | Aircraft 42-29960 Photo Album⇗ |
| History: | 42-29960 Delivered to Denver, Colorado for modification on 18 March 1943; Sioux City, Iowa on 14 April 1943; Kearney, Nebraska on 3 May 1943; Dow Field, Maine on 24 May 1943. Ferried overseas and assigned to the 545th Bombardment Squadron, squadron code SU-J, 384th Bombardment Group, station 106, Grafton Underwood on 31 May 1943 then to the 544th Bombardment squadron, squadron code SU-J. Missing in Action on a mission to Le Mans, France on 4 July 1943. Pilot-Gordon B. Erikson, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner-Robert H. Penly, Ball Turret Gunner-Willard Edward Freeman, Waist Gunner-George Ashworth, Waist Gunner-Frank J. Wingerter and Tail Gunner-Charles Mankowitz evaded capture (6 EVD). The Co-pilot-Clifford C. Dart and Radio operator-Paul G. Welch were captured and became Prisoners of War (2 POW). The Navigator-Francis Mercer Hackley and Bombardier-Don W. Irvine were Killed in Action (2 KIA). The aircraft was damaged by flak after the target and further attacked by enemy aircraft. She crashed at Fosse de Enfer, near Belfonds, 40miles North of Le Mans, France. No Missing Air Crew Report has been located for this loss. Aircraft Name: NYMOKYMI |
| Bits & Pieces: |
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| Number | Date | Target | Results | Mission/Sortie Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| -- | 23 June 1943 | Bernay-Saint-Martin, France, RECALLED | Mission Recalled | Sortie Report ⇗ |
| 2⇗ | 25 June 1943 | Target: Industrial Area & Submarine Pens Type: Military Location: Hamburg, Germany | Aborted Mission After Taking Off. | Initially took off at 0553-1/2, landed at 0618, then took off again at 0630; reasons for this are unknown. Returned to base due to weather conditions; pilot was unable to maintain contact with the formation. Sortie Report ⇗ |
| 3⇗ | 26 June 1943 | Target: Villacoublay Airfield Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe) Location: Paris, France | Completed Mission | Low Squadron Deputy. Sortie Report ⇗ |
| 4⇗ | 28 June 1943 | Target: Fighter Airfield Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe) Location: Beaumont-le-Roger, France | Aborted Mission After Taking Off. | Turned back with #1 oil cooler leaking; top turret and ball turret problems. Sortie Report ⇗ |
| 6⇗ | 4 July 1943 | Target: Gnome et Rhone Aircraft Engine Plant Type: Aircraft Industry Location: Le Mans, France | Failed To Return | Low Squadron Deputy. Damaged by flak after the target, then further attacked by Me-109s; crashed near Belfonds, France. No MACR Sortie Report ⇗ |