Harland, Kenneth Watkins, Jr

Crew History

The Kelmer Hall Crew was the first one to be assigned to the 544th BS of the 384th BG - becoming its "Model Crew" and "Crew 41" (crew #1 of the 544th) - on 31 December 1942 at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, with Summers and Spradlin joining in January 1943. They flew to Wendover a few days after the ground echelon entrained for the transfer.

Original crewmembers O'Donnell and Wimberly were replaced by Holgate J Dean and Edward R Keathley prior to transfer overseas.

The crew was assigned B-17F 42-30041 in the U.S.A. This aircraft was beset by mechanical difficulties from the outset, causing many three-engine landings, among other problems. After departing Gander Lake, Newfoundland on June 9, 1943 bound for England, the crew was forced to ditch that aircraft in the Atlantic. All 10 men were rescued the next day and returned to their departure point Gander Lake, Newfoundland. From there they were flown back to Presque Isle, Maine, where they were fitted out with new uniforms and other necessary equipment. Again they took to the air - as passengers aboard a C-54 transport aircraft this time - and rejoined the Group in England on 6 July 1943.

Additional crew changes occured after arriving in England, with Lawrence J Reandeau and George D McCulley replacing Spradlin and Harden. Note that other crew changes occurred on their first two missions due to illness of "regular" crew members.

They were shot down on 25 July 1943 mission to Hamburg, Germany, aboard B-17F 42-29670 "THUNDERMUG": 2 KIA, 8 POW.

Information courtesy of Jared Summers, et al.