Built by Boeing at Seattle.
Delivered to the US Army on October 29, 1941 at Boeing Field.
Assigned to the 7th Bombardment Group, 88th Reconnaissance Squadron.
No known nickname or nose art.
On December 6, 1941 took off from Hamilton Field piloted by Lt. Karl Barthelmess on an unarmed ferry flight bound for Hickam Field.
On the morning of December 7, 1941 incoming Japanese aircraft detected on radar were dismissed as the expected flight of B-17s.
The formation of B-17s arrived during the Japanese surprise attack against Pearl Harbor and Oahu.
During the attack, this B-17 managed to safely land at Hickam Field.
During late December 1942, this B-17 flew reconnaissance missions from Hickam Field to patrol the Pacific Ocean area around Hawaii.
During January 1942, flown on a ferry flight from Hickam Field overseas to Australia.
Assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group, 40th Bombardment Squadron.
No known nose art or nickname.
During early February, dispersed from Garbutt Field to Mareeba Airfield, fearing a Japanese air raid against Townsville. Afterwards, flown back to Garbutt Field.
On February 22/23, 1942 took off from Garbutt Field piloted by Harry Brandon on a bombing mission against Rabaul and claimed one Zero shot down (none were lost). 
Afterwards, landed at 7-Mile Drome near Port Moresby with the left engine out from battle damage and ran out of fuel taxing on the runway.
12/03/1942 Took off from from Australia piloted by Captain Harold Chaffin on a flight to Del Monte Airfield on Mindanao but mechanical problems caused it to arrive late.
This B-17 was one of four bombers used to evacuate General MacArthur, his family and senior staff back to Australia.
During September 1942, this B-17 was briefly assigned to the 374th Troop Carrier Group, 21st Troop Carrier Squadron (TCS) and was overhauled and modified in Australia.
28/11/1942 Assigned to the 43rd Bombardment Group, 65th Bombardment Squadron and continued to fly bombing missions operating from 7-Mile Drome near Port Moresby over New Guinea.
13/07/1943 One of four B-17s including B-17F 41-24355 and B-17F 41-24548 and one B-24 that took off on a bombing mission against Lae.
October 1944, scrapped at Brisbane.

Lucky 13

Built by Boeing at Seattle.
Delivered to the U. S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-17E Flying Fortress serial number 41-2413.
Assigned to the 11th Bombardment Group, 38th Reconnaissance Squadron.
No known nickname or nose art.
06/12/1941 Took off from Hamilton Field the first take off from the 38th Reconnaissance Squadron crew no. 1 on an unarmed ferry flight bound for Hickam Field.
Aboard was pilot Major Truman H. Landon, co-pilot 1st Lt William B. M. Ellis, 2d Lt George L. Newton, 2d Lt Chester H. Budz, Avn Cdt Erwin F. Cihak, MSgt John B. Meeks, TSgt Jesse L. Schneider, SSgt Albert E. Brawley, and Sgt Benjamin L. Hale.
07/12/1941 On the morning of December 7, 1941 incoming Japanese aircraft detected on radar were dismissed as the expected flight of B-17s.
The formation of B-17s arrived during the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and Oahu.
This B-17 successfully landing at Hickam Field and was in commission the next day.
Afterwards, assigned to the 5th Bombardment Group, 72nd Reconnaissance Squadron.
Nicknamed "Lucky 13" based on the last two digits of the serial number.
13/04/1943 Took off from Henderson Field on Guadalcanal piloted by 1st Lt. Mario Sesso and ditched off Santa Isabel.

San Antonio Rose

Built by Boeing at Seattle.
Delivered to US Army on November 14, 1941 and flown by Lt. Frank Bostrom from Boeing Filed to Hamilton Field.
Assigned to the 5th Air Force, 7th Bombardment Group, 9th Reconnaissance Squadron.
Nicknamed "San Antonio Rose" with a Mexican girl painted on the pilot's side of cockpit.
On December 6, 1941 took off piloted by 1st Lt. Frank P. Bostrom as part of an unarmed ferry flight that departed Hamilton Field bound for Hickam Field.
On the morning of December 7, 1941 incoming Japanese aircraft detected on radar were dismissed as the expected flight of B-17s.
The formation of B-17s arrived during the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and Oahu.
This bomber was accidentally fired on by a U.S. Navy destroyer and attacked by A6M2 Zero fighters.
Some damage sustained, but none of the crew were injured.
This B-17 force landed at Kuhuku Golf Course.
Stuck for two days, the bomber was freed and on December 9, 1941 and flown to Hickam Field.
Sometime after December 7, 1941, painted in Hawaiian Air Depot (HAD) three color camouflage scheme consisting of dark green, olive drab and tan upper surfaces with standard gray lower surfaces.
During the remainder of December 1942 this B-17 flew reconnaissance missions from Hickam Field to patrol the Pacific Ocean area around Hawaii.
On February 10, 1942 departed Hickam Field on a ferry flight bound for Australia.
During the flight, a directive was issued that all B-17 type aircraft were to be referred to as Hudson Mark 6 aircraft in all communications that involved wireless transmission.
During the evening of February 22, 1942 this B-17 accidentally collided with B-17E 41-2434 and was unable to participate in the first American bombing mission against Rabaul.
Heavily damaged, this B-17 was stripped for usable parts.
Immediately, the left wing tip was used to repair B-17E 41-2434.
By April 1942, it was stripped of all usable parts.
Officially written off at Brisbane January 31, 1944.

Monkey Bizz-Ness

 Nancy

(7th BG 38th RS) was one of the planes that arrived over Pearl Harbour Dec 7 1941
38th RCS Arrived Australia 18/02/42 Archerfield.
*San Antonio Rose * staged through Batchelor Field to Del Monte Philippines on bombing sortie against Japanese landings at Legaspi Mar 1942
Forced landed near Mitchell River 7/42 flown out WFU Jan 31 1944.
WFU Jan 31 1944

Built by Boeing at Seattle. 
Delivered to the US Army.
Assigned to the 7th Bombardment Group, 9th Bombardment Squadron.
No known nickname or nose art.
On December 12, 1941 this B-17 took off from Hamilton Field on a ferry flight bound for Hickam Field but aborted for unknown reasons and returned to Hamilton Field.
On December 18, 1942 one of six B-17Es from the 7th Bombardment Group led by Major Kenneth B. Hobson took off from Hamilton Field piloted by Lt. Clarence "Sandy" McPherson on a ferry flight to Hickam Field.
During late December 1941, this B-17 flew reconnaissance missions over the Pacific Ocean based at Hickam Field. At Hickam Field, painted in the three-color Hawaiian Air Depot colour scheme.
On January 6, 1942 departed Hickam Field piloted by Lt. McPherson on a ferry flight to bound for Australia accompanied by B-17 piloted by Major Hobson and B-17 piloted by Lt. Hughes.
The bombers flew via Tontouta Airfield to Garbutt Field near Townsville then arrived at Darwin.
At Darwin, this bomber experienced engine trouble and was in need of a replacement tail wheel assembly and was repaired during early February.
On February 19, 1942 took off piloted by McPherson leading a formation of P-40 Warhawks to Java in the face of a typhoon.
Bad weather forced the P-40s to abort the flight but this B-17 proceeded alone and landed at Denpasar Airfield on Bali, unaware it has just been captured by the Japanese.
When this B-17 touched down, it was hit by machine gun fire that hit the fuselage and wounded the tail gunner in the foot.
On the ground, the landing was witnessed by Saburo Sakai.
Realizing he was under attack, McPherson immediately took off again, narrowly avoiding capture and successfully landed at Singosari Airfield on eastern Java.
While taxing, all four engines quit as the bomber had run out of fuel.
The wounded tail gunner was rushed to the hospital.
This B-17 participated in the Java campaign.
On February 26, 1942 took off from Madioen Airfield piloted by 2nd Lt. Bernice S. Barr with B-17E 41-2452 piloted by Captain Hardison on a bombing mission against a Japanese convoy off the southern end of Makassar Strait.
In the face of light anti-aircraft fire, the B-17s bombed from 21,000' but missed.
During the night of February 28, 1942 took off from Madioen Airfield piloted by Lt. Skiles with B-17E 41-2464 piloted by Evans and B-17E 41-2449 piloted by Captain Preston.
Inbound to the target, Preston aborted due to faulty machine guns.
The remaining two B-17s proceeded alone at 28,000' and claimed direct hits on two parallel strings of ships and claimed one sunk and one damaged.
On March 1, 1942 this B-17 flew two missions.
At 3:00am took off from Madioen Airfield piloted by Lt. Beck on a mission against a Japanese eastern invasion force convoy off the north coast of Java.
Over the convoy, this bomber experienced heavy anti-aircraft fire and made three runs at varying altitudes and reported uncertain results.
After landing, the crew discovered the tail wheel was damaged.
At 9:00am, took off from Madioen Airfield piloted by McPherson with B-17 piloted by Lt. Casper on a bombing mission against a Japanese convoy.
Inbound, Casper developed engine problems and aborted the mission.
Alone, this B-17 proceeded to the convoy at 30,000' and dropped eight 300 lbs bombs, claiming one hit and one near miss.
At the end of the Java campaign, one of sixteen B-17 evacuated to Darwin.
Assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group, 28th Bombardment Squadron.
Next, assigned to the 43rd Bombardment Group, 63rd Bombardment Squadron.
During 1943, nicknamed "Monkey Bizz-Ness" in red lettering with white highlights.
The left and right side of the had the nose art of a monkey holding a bottle and an ax painted by Sgt Ernie Vandal.
On March 26, 1943 took off from 7-Mile Drome near Port Moresby piloted by Trigg on a night bombing mission against enemy shipping in Wewak Harbor.
Over the target, nothing was sighted and harbor installations were bombed instead.
On May 29, 1942 piloted by Lt. Hugney with co-pilot 1st Lt. Gilbert Erb, flown from Longreach Airfield to Garbutt Field.
The next day flown by Lt. Hugney with co-pilot Sargent and passenger Erb to Horn Island Airfield.
On May 31, piloted by Hugney with co-pilot Erb flew a bombing mission against Lae.
On June 1, flown from Horn Island Airfield to Coen Airfield during an air raid alarm, two days later flown returned from Coen Airfield to Longreach Airfield.
During the remainder of the month, flown on several local transition flights including June 26 to Charleville Airfield and Long Airfield.
On July 5, 1942, this B-17 force landed on Cape York, roughly 15 northeast of the Mitchell River Mission.
Afterwards, repaired and returned to duty.
During 1944, this B-17 served as a transport aircraft in bare metal finish with "417" on the tail and the top turret and lower turret removed.
Used as a personal transport by U. S. Army General Clements McMullen, 5th Air Force Service Command who nicknamed the bomber "Nancy" after his wife.
Scrapped at Manila during 1946.

Built by Boeing at Seattle.
Delivered to the U. S. Army at Boeing Field on November 17, 1941.
Departed Boeing Field piloted by Lt. Maurice C. Horgan to Salt Lake City on November 26, 1942.
This B-17 departed Hamilton Field on a ferry flight to Hickam Field.
Assigned to the 7th Bombardment Group, 14th Bombardment Squadron.
No known nickname or nose art.
During January 1942, this B-17 operated from Hickam Field flying patrol around Hawaii.
Ferried overseas from Hickam Field across the Pacific to Australia.
Assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group, 40th Bombardment Group.
Possibly, nicknamed "G. I. Issue".
During early April, took off from Batchelor Field near Darwin piloted Lt. David G. Rawls and co-pilot Jones arriving at Del Monte Airfield on Mindanao to participate in the Royce Mission.
On April 12-13, 1942, took off from Del Monte Airfield on bombing missions against Japanese targets in the Philippines. Afterwards, returned to Australia.
On a June 9, 1942 during a bombing mission, the top turret "ran away" rotating out of control and firing, damaging the tail and rudder.
On June 19, 1942 took off from Longreach Airfield piloted by 1st Lt. Gilbert E. Erb on a local flight to practice night landings.
During the middle of June 1942, assigned to the 435th Bombardment Squadron.
On July 16, 1942 took off from Coen Airfield bound for Horn Island Airfield.
Aboard were five U. S. Army passengers from the 104th Anti-aircraft Artillery AW Battalion plus a salvage crew and replacement parts including landing gear, propeller blades, brake assembly and tools to repair B-17E "Sally" 41-2633 that was damaged on July 4, 1942.While attempting to land in windy conditions near dark, this B-17 was lining up to land on the wrong side of a flare path. Realizing the error, the B-17 attempted to pull up quickly and the heavy replacement parts inside that were not properly stowed to shift, causing the bomber to dive into the ground killing the entire crew on impact.
This B-17 was officially stricken from the register on October 31, 1944.
The entire crew was officially declared dead the day of the mission.
Pilot  Major Clarence E. "Sandy" McPherson, O-22396 (KIA, BR) Sandpoint, ID
Co-Pilot  1st Lt. Lucius G. Penick, O-413487 (KIA, BR)
Engineer  MSgt Louis T. "Soup" Silva, R-45343 (KIA, BR)
Passenger  SSgt Marvin C. Bond, 6912315 (KIA, BR)
Passenger  Sgt Walter F. Schofield, 6581360 (KIA, BR)
Passenger  MSgt Walter W. Weisner, 6754182 (KIA, BR) 
Passenger   Sgt William C. Wood, 6914948 (KIA, BR)
Passenger SSgt Charles Baxter (KIA, BR)
Passenger  Pvt Richard Purcell (KIA, BR)
Passenger  Sgt John Stevenson (KIA, BR)
Passenger  1st Lt. Albert McCabe Hart, O-346934 104th AAA (KIA, BR)
Passenger  Pfc Rufus B. Humphries, 20467589, 20467589 (KIA, BR)
Passenger  Pvt Phillip R. Mills, 34102201, 34102201 (KIA, BR)
Passenger  Pvt Albert Washington Moore, 34102085 (KIA, BR)
Passenger  T/5 Atwell E. Moore, 20487595 (KIA, BR).

Remains of this B-17 still remain on Horn Island including an undercarriage leg in 1980.

Built by Boeing at Seattle.
Delivered to the U. S. Army on November 29, 1941 at Boeing Field flown away by pilot Lt. John E. Dougherty.
Assigned to the 7th Bombardment Group, 88th Reconnaissance Squadron.
No known nickname or nose art.
On December 6, 1941 took off from Hamilton Field piloted by Major Richard H. Carmichael leading an unarmed ferry flight bound for Hickam Field.
On the morning of December 7, 1941 incoming Japanese aircraft detected on radar were dismissed as the expected flight of B-17s.
The formation of B-17s arrived during the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and Oahu.
Reaching Diamond Head, the B-17 observed unidentified aircraft, anti-aircraft fire and smoke and diverted to Bellows Field but also found it under attack and instead landed at Haleva Airfield where it was armed and refueled.
While the ground, an A6M2 Zero strafed the airfield, but did not damage this bomber.
Afterwards, this B-17 was flown to Hickam Field.
During late December 1942, this B-17 flew reconnaissance missions from Hickam Field over the Pacific Ocean around Hawaii.
At Hickam Field, painted in the three-color Hawaiian Air Depot color scheme.
On March 14, 1942 was piloted by Captain William Lewis on a mission to evacuate General Douglas MacArthur from Del Monte Airfield in Mindanao and fly him south to Batchelor Field in Australia.
Assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group, 93rd Bombardment Squadron.
Later, assigned to the 40th Bombardment Squadron.
On August 6, 1942 this B-17 was at Mareeba Airfield.
During the evening, Captain Harl Pease and his crew landed B-17E 41-2668 at Mareeba Airfield after experiencing an engine valve failure.
They boarded this B-17 instead and took off from Mareeba Airfield and flew to 7-Mile Drome near Port Moresby to participate in a bombing mission scheduled for the next morning against Rabaul to support of the American landings at Tulagi and Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.
On August 7, 1942 took off from 7-Mile Drome near Port Moresby on a bombing mission against Vunakanau Airfield near Rabaul. This aircraft was deemed to have weak engines and had aborted several missions, but could still fly. Pease insisted on flying the aircraft on the mission.
After dropping their bombs over Vunakanau Airfield, defending A6M2 Zeros concentrated on Pease's aircraft, causing it to descend and knocking out an engine.
The bomb bay fuel tank was seen to drop out on fire.
No one observed the plane crash, but it was never seen again.
When this B-17 failed to return it was declared Missing In Action (MIA).
For his actions that day, Pease earned the Medal of Honor and the entire crew awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, posthumously.
Pilot  Captain Harl Pease, Jr., O-34206 11th BG, 93rd BS (POW, executed, MIA) Plymouth, NH
Co-Pilot  F/Sgt Frederick Wentworth Earp, 403325, RAAF (MIA / KIA, BR) Penrith, NSW
Bombardier  1st Lt. Robert B. Burleson, O-412726 (MIA / KIA) AL
Engineer  S/Sgt Rex E. Matson, 6657964 (MIA / KIA) IN
Radio  Sgt Alvar A. Liimatainen, 160292712 (MIA / KIA, BR) MI
Navigator  2nd Lt. Richard M. Wood, O-433161 (MIA / KIA) OK
Gunner  Sgt David W. Brown, 6296430 (MIA / KIA, BR) TX
Gunner  Sgt Chester M. Czechowski, 6915712 (POW, executed, BR) IL
Crew  Sgt Fred W. Oettel, 19048522 (MIA / KIA) CA

Naughty But Nice

Acc 29/11/41.
Salt Lake City 30/11/41.
Plumb 26/12/41.
Copper 15/12/42.
Project X 14/03/42.
(7th BG 38th RS)
Was one of six planes that flew into Pearl Harbor Dec 7 1941. Shot down Jun 25 1943 Vunakanau SW Pacific with 65th BS 43rd BG. 
One crew POW rest KIA.
The crew member who was POW was executed by Japanese at Rabaul New Britain.
Off LEFT 28/06/43 

Aircraft History
Built by Boeing at Seattle.
Delivered to the U. S. Army at Boeing Field.
This B-17 was scheduled to be flown by Lt. Frederick Eaton but was delayed due to an engine change. 
On November 29, 1941 took off from Boeing Field piloted by Lt. David G. Rawls on a flight to Fort Douglas Airfield.
Nicknamed "Naughty But Nice" by either Lt. Harold Caffin or T/Sgt Russell Mackey with the nose art of a nude woman reclining was painted on the left side of the nose.
Later, flown from Hamilton Field to Hickam Field.
Painted in the three-color camouflage scheme at the Hawaiian Air Depot (HAD) at Hickam Field with dark green, olive drab and tan upper surfaces with gray lower surfaces.
During the middle of February, departed Hickam Field piloted by Lt. Chaffin on a ferry flight across the Pacific bound for Australia.
On February 16, 1942 landed at Archerfield Airfield near Brisbane.
On February 18, 1942 while taxing DC-3 VH-ACB (ex RAAF A30-4) collided with this bomber, damaging the starboard wing, tail and part of the fuselage and also damaged Lodestar LT922 parked alongside.
The damage prevented it from participating in the first American bombing mission staged from Australia against Rabaul on February 22-23, 1942.
The damage was repaired by February 27, 1942.
Assigned to the 43rd Bombardment Group, 65th Bombardment Squadron to pilot Hal C. Winfrey of Harian, KY and operated from Garbutt Field near Townsville.
During early 1942 at Townsville, this B-17 was modified with a metal plate installed at the center of the nose cone for reinforcement to mount a single .50 caliber machine gun.
During the Battle of the Bismarck Sea on March 3, 1943 took off piloted by 1st Lt. James L. Easter on a bombing misison against Japanese shipping in the Bismarck Sea off Rooke Island.
This B-17 was part of the second element leading B-17 piloted by 1st Niece and 1st Lt. Woodard.
Over the target, intercepted by Ki-43 Oscars from the 11th Sentai.
A pair of fighters made a single firing pass that damaged the B-17 from nose to tail and wounded five of the crew.
The wounded pilot put the bomber into a dive.
Damage with wounded crew members aboard, co-pilot 2nd Lt. Russel S. Emerick took the controls and turned back towards New Guinea, but due to clouds elected to land at Doboudra Airfield.
During the landing one of the main wheels went flat, having been damaged by gunfire.
On the ground, the wounded crew members were evacuated and the damaged bomber was towed off the runway with many bullet holes.
Pilot Easter later died of his wounds.
On June 23, 1942 took off piloted by Hal C. Winfrey on a bombing mission against Koepang and claimed a Zero shot  down.
On June 25, 1943 took off from 7-Mile Drome near Port Moresby landing at Dobodura Airfield to refuel and load bombs.
Regular pilot Winfrey had a slight wound and was unable to fly the mission.
Instead, Lt. Charles Trimingham flew as pilot. Also aboard was trainee 2nd Lt. Herman Knott.
On June 26, 1943 took off from Dobodura Airfield at 1:45am on a night bombing mission against Vunakanau Airfield near Rabaul.
After releasing their bombs over the target, this B-17 came under intense anti-aircraft fire but was not hit.
The B-17 loitered over the target area for another 30 minutes, then turned back towards base.
Approaching from lower altitude, a J1N1 Irving piloted by Shigetoshi Kudo, made three firing passes against the bomber using his upward firing 20mm cannons.
The second pass killed pilot Sarsfield.
The third attack set fire to the left wing.
Only navigator Holguin was able to bail out before the bomber crashed into the Baining Mountains southeast of Rabaul.

Pilot  1st Lt. William J. Sarsfield, Jr., O-791243 (MIA / KIA, BR) Philadelphia, PA
Co-Pilot  2nd Lt. Charles E. Trimingham, O-727282 (MIA / KIA, BR) Salinas, CA
Bombardier  1st Lt. Francis G. Peattie, O-727655 (MIA / KIA, BR) Beacon, NY
Navigator  1st Lt. Jose L. Holguin, O-728388 (POW, survived) Los Angeles, CA
Asst Bomb  2nd Lt. Herman H. Knott, O-669320 (MIA / KIA, BR) New York, NY
Eng  T/Sgt Robert L. Christopherson, 17017152 (MIA / KIA, BNR) Blue Earth, MN
Asst Eng  S/Sgt Henry Garcia, 19080310 (MIA / KIA, BR) Los Angeles, CA
Radio  T/Sgt Leonard A. Gionet, 11009541 (MIA / KIA / BR) Shirley, MA
Asst Radio  S/Sgt Robert E. Griebel, 37139583 (MIA / KIA, BR) Riverton, WY
Gunner  S/Sgt Pace P. Payne, 18081362 (MIA / KIA, BR) Corsicana, TX
Also shot down that same night was B-17F "Taxpayer's Pride" 41-24448.

Acc 01/12/41.
Salt Lake City 02/12/41.
Plumb 26/12/41. Per order ST42-5407.
Copper 12/12/41,
Project X 14/03/42.
Assigned Sumac 14/03/42.
(7th BG 38th RS)
Was one of the planes that arrived over Pearl Harbour on Dec 7 1941
Crashed into sea near Cairns North Queensland 16th August 1942.
Off LEFT 31/10/44.
Condemned 09/01/45

Built by Boeing at Seattle.
Delivered to the U. S. Army on November 29, 1941.
On November 30, 1941 took off from Boeing Field piloted by Frederick Eaton and flown to Salt Lake City.
On December 6, 1941 took off piloted by 1st Lt. David G. Rawls as part of an unarmed ferry flight that departed Hamilton Field bound for Hickam Field.
On the morning of December 7, 1941 incoming Japanese aircraft detected on radar were dismissed as the expected flight of B-17s.
The formation of B-17s arrived during the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and Oahu.
This B-17 was fired on by U. S. Navy anti-aircraft guns and attempted to land at Hickam Field, then Wheeler Field, but both were burning from the attack.
Finally, the bomber landed at Hickam Field but was strafed by an A6M2 Zero while landing. 
On the ground the crew fled the B-17 while Zeros continued to strafed, but none were wounded.
One of the crew fired his pistol at the strafing fighters.
Afterwards, this B-17 flew reconnaissance over the Pacific Ocean around Hawaii.
On February 8, 1942 departed Hickam Field on a ferry flight overseas to Australia.
Arriving at Garbutt Field near Townsville on February 19, 1942.
Assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group, 30th Bombardment Squadron.
No known nose art or nickname.
Possibly, assigned to the 28th Bombardment Squadron also.
During the night of February 22, 1942 this B-17 was damaged when its left wing tip hit the wing and no. 4 engine of B-17E 41-241. 
This plane got a replacement wing tip from B-17E 41-2416.
This B-17 was returned to flying condition the next day, but missed the Feb 22/23 mission against Rabaul.
On March 13, 1942 participated in a bombing mission against Rabaul.
Over the target, this bomber claimed one Zero.
On March 16, 1942, this B-17 piloted by Charmichael was to evacuate General MacArthur from Del Monte Airfield, but the engines were unable to start due to mechanical problems.
Charmichael did fly MacArthur on last leg of journey from Bachelor Field southward where he boarded a train.
On a June 2, 1942 piloted by Frederick Eaton and Tower.
During the mission gunners claimed two Zeros south of Lae and the bomber was hit by bullets but no one aboard was injured.
Due to a Japanese air raid, this bomber was unable to land at Horn Island Airfield as planned and instead landing at Coen Airfield.
During the landing, the tail wheel was smashed.
Afterwards, Captain Spieth flew in replacement tail wheel assembly, and it took two days to clear a runway, then Spieth flew it back to Garbutt Field near Townsville.
On August 16, 1942 took off piloted by 1st Lt. Dean C. Hoevet on flight to tests a new flare dropping mechanism.
Aboard were several passengers to test the mechanism.
During the flight, the mechanism malfunctioned and a flare exploded inside the bomber and caused it to crash into the sea and exploded on impact roughly a mile off Yorkeys Knob north of Cairns.

Pilot  Major Dean C. "Pinky" Hoevet, O-22248 19th BG, 30th BS (MIA / KIA) Fairfield, NB
Passenger  Sgt Coy Adams, 6882642 (KIA, BR) Baileysville, WV
Passenger  T/Sgt Stephen A. Androkovich, 6881199 19th BG, 30th BS (MIA / KIA) PA
Passenger  2nd Lt William T. Chesser, O-423468 19th BG, 30th BS (MIA / KIA) TX
Passenger  1st Lt. Paul M. Lindsey, O-406701 (MIA / KIA) Canon City, CO
Passenger  T/Sgt Hermon T. Randall, 69246702 (KIA, BR) GA
Passenger  2nd Lt Arthur F. Sorrell, O-426202 19th BG, 30th BS (MIA / KIA) NY
Passenger  2nd Lt Maxwell D. Stone, O-426204 19th BG, 30th BS (MIA / KIA) MA
Passenger  1st Lt George W. Hammersmith, O-364669 450th Ordnance Company (KIA, BR) 
Passenger  S/Sgt Bernard Merker, 32110191 (KIA, BR) New York, NY
Passenger  T/Sgt Ralph Tarod, 35032421 450th Ordnance Company (KIA, BR) Columbus, OH

Built by Boeing at Seattle.
01/12/1941 Delivered to the U. S. Army and piloted by Harry Spieth from Boeing Field.
02/12/1941 At Salt Lake City,
12/12/1941 Copper,
26/12/1941 Plumb, Per order ST42-5407.
Assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group, 28th Bombardment Squadron.
No known nose art or nickname.
During January 1942, this bomber operated from Hickam Field and flew patrol missions over the ocean.
16/01/1942 the bomber claimed to locate, bomb and sink a Japanese submarine.
Next, this B-17 was ferried from Hawaii to Australia.
22-23/02/1942 Possibly this B-17 was flown on the first American bombing mission against Rabaul.
12/03/1942 this B-17 took off from Horn Island Airfield piloted by Horgan and Fields on a mission against Salamaua. Afterwards landed at 7-Mile Drome and remained overnight.
13/03/1942 Took off 7-Mile Drome near Port Moresby on a mission against Rabaul piloted by Major William Lewis, Jr. and co-pilot 1st Lt Jack L Carlson with a crew consisted of five men from the 435th Bomb Squadron and six from another unknown unit.
The other three aircraft returned direct to Townsville due to engine trouble.
Over the target, this B-17 successfully attacked Lakunai Airfield claiming several aircraft on the ground destroyed.
Returning, this B-17 encountered A6M2 Zeros returning from a strafing attack on 7-Mile Drome.
Top turret gunner M/Sgt Carl G. Johansson claimed an A6M2 Zero [none were lost] fifteen miles north of Port Moresby, then landed safely landed at 7-Mile Drome.
14/03/42 Project X,
14/03/42 Assigned Sumac.
18/04/1942 Made an emergency landing adjacent to RAAF Sandgate Airfield at 5:45pm .
The B-17 landed on reclaimed land to the north north between the base and the start of the Hornibrook Highway.
27/07/1942 one of nine B-17s that participated in a bombing mission against Buna.
02/08/1942 took off from 7 Mile Drome near Port Moresby piloted by Watson as part of a flight of B-17s searching for a convoy near Buna.
On this mission, this B-17 was assigned to the 30th Bomb Squadron, but flown by an air crew from the 28th Bombardment Squadron for this mission.
At 9:15am, intercepted by A6M2 Zeros and shot down.
This B-17 crashed into the sea off Cape Ward Hunt on the other side of Mitre Rock, roughly two to three miles out to sea at approximately at 9:30am.
At least five of the crew managed to bail out including Ranta and Abadie.
31/10/44 Off LEFT.
09/01/45 Condemned.

Pilot  1st Lt William H. Watson, O-416941 (MIA / KIA) IL
Co-Pilot  1st Lt John F. Putman, O-413546 (MIA / KIA) CA
Navigator  1st Lt James O. Etter, O-434209 (MIA / KIA) OK
Bombardier  S/Sgt Robert A. Abadie, 6296091 (MIA / KIA) TX
Engineer  T/Sgt Eugene M. Clemens, 6564203 (MIA / KIA) SD
Crew  Sgt Leo T. Ranta, 6578753 (survived) Marysville, CA
Crew  Sgt Robert V. Copley, 6999315 (MIA / KIA) PA
Gunner  Cpl Philip A. Deal, 6915668 (MIA / KIA) IN
Gunner  Sgt William H. Parker, 6581531 (MIA / KIA) WA

Acc 01/12/41.
Salt Lake City 02/12/41.
Plumb 26/12/41.
Per ST42-5407.
Copper 15/12/41.
Project X 14/03/42. 
Ret USA.
Hamilton 25/11/42-01/12/42.
Posetella 12/12/42.
Lockbourne AAB 01/04/43.
Cond 14/12/43.Ex USAAF B-17E-BO, serial number 41-2438. 
Ordered on Purchase Order CA 000115.
Taken on strength on 21 December 1943.
Used by No. 168 Heavy Transport Squadron, Rockcliffe, for mail flights to Europe.
Fitted with flip down metal nose cone.
By end of the war in natural metal finish, coded "QB".
Sold, to Argentine civil registery as LC-RTO.
Reported scrapped in 1964. first date: 19 December 1943.
Last date: 7 June 1946.
Arrived at RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario.
Struck off, later sold.
Reports date as 7 July 1946.

Calamity Jane

Acc 01/12/41.
Salt Lake City 02/12/41.
Plumb 25/12/41.
ST42-5407,
Copper 15/12/41.
Project X 14/03/42.
Poppy 04/05/43-27/05/43 13AAF.
Ret USA 07/03/44,
Cond 28/02/46.
Was down as (42nd BS) ditched off Duma Point Sept 24 1942 due to fuel exhaustion.
Crew captured and executed.
Wreck is still located there 60 feet underwater in fairly good condition.

WRONG ID!!!! GRB. 

Aircraft History
Built by Boeing at Seattle. 
Delivered to pilot Lt. Clyde B. Kelsey on December 1, 1941 at Boeing Field.
Ferried overseas to Australia arriving at Garbutt Field.
Assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group.
On February 22-23, 1942 participated in the bombing mission against Rabaul, pilot Harry Speith and co-pilot Lt. Fields.
This bomber aborted due to poor weather and being unable to find the target, and returned to Garbutt.
Flew the July 3, 1942 mission when the crew claimed two Zeros south of Salamaua, and two of the crew (waist & bendix turret gunners) were wounded in the battle.
Holes were made in the tail and the crew fought off 10 frontal attacks, 5 side attacks and three belly attacks in the 20 minute battle.
Later, transferred to the 435th Bombardment Squadron at Cloncurry Airfield when it was formed on March 14, 1942.
Three of the better B-17E's from the 19th Bombardment Group were transferred to the 13th Air Force, 5th Bombardment Group, 394th Bombardment Squadron: this bomber, B-17E 41-2632 and B-17E 41-2658.
Assigned to the 13th AF, 5th Bombardment Group, 394th Bombardment Squadron on November 14, 1942 with crew chief Roy Davenport. and flew missions from Guadalcanal and New Caledonia until the middle of 1943.
During this point in her service, this B-17 had the nose art "Calamity Jane" with a nude woman with her hands behind her head and a flower in her hair.
At some point later, possibly when it returned to the United States, the woman's nipples were painted out.
Declared war weary and flown back to the United States, arriving March 7, 1944.
Salvaged on June 15, 1946.

"Swamp Ghost"

08/12/1941 SacD Copper (Hawaii)
15/12/1941 Per order ST42-5407. 
12/02/1942 Project X.
14/03/1942 Assigned Sumac.
 

Built by Boeing at Seattle. Contract W535-ac15677 @$280535.00, Constructors number 2257.
06/12/1941 Delivered by the U. S. Army and flown to Fort Douglas Airfield by Lt. John Haig.
Next, flown to Sacramento Air Depot for armament installation.
Assigned to the 7th Bombardment Group, 22nd Bombardment Squadron. 
Assigned to pilot Frederick 'Fred' Eaton, it was flown from California to Hawaii on December 17, 1942 and landed at Hickam Field, then flown to Wheeler Field.
Attached to the U. S . Navy (USN), this B-17 flew search missions around Hawaii.
The original bombardier, Sgt. J. J. Trelia had become sick and Richard Oliver joined the crew instead.
On February 11, 1942 departed Hawaii on a ferry flight across the Pacific bound for Australia as part of "A flight" led by Major Richard H. Carmichael.
The flight departed Hickam Field and first flew to Christmas Airfield.
The next day, they flew eight hours to Canton Airfield, then landed at Nadi Airfield on Fiji and were delayed one day while the loyalties of the Vichy French in New Caledonia were ascertained. 
Once considered safe, they transited through Plaine Des Gaiacs Airfield, and flew to Australia, arriving at Garbutt Field on February 20, 1942.
Garbutt was considered an easy target for Japanese bombers, so this B-17 was dispersed to Cloncurry Airfield.
In Australia, this B-17 joined the 19th Bombardment Group.
The next day, recalled to Garbutt Field to participate in the U. S. Army Air Force's first bombing mission mission in the South Pacific. This would be this bomber's first and only combat mission.
On February 22, 1942 during the late evening, one of nine that took off from Garbutt Field near Townsville on a bombing mission against Rabaul.
The plan was to bomb Japanese shipping in Simpson Harbor at dawn and land at 7-Mile Drome near Port Moresby to refuel them return to Garbutt Airfield.
Only five B-17s managed to reach Rabaul, the others aborted.
Over the target, Eaton had to make a second pass, due to a mechanical problem with the bomb bay, but finally dropped onto a freighter of 10,000 tons.
Reportedly, on the second bomb run, an anti-aircraft shell that passed through the right wing without exploding, creating a visible hole.
Results of the bombing were hard to observe due to clouds.
Off the target, this B-17 was intercepted by fighters over Rabaul, and maneuvered to escape them.
The tail gunner claimed one Zero, shot down at 24,000 feet after firing burst of 400 rounds from a range of 200-300 yards.
Waist gunner Crawford, claimed two more.
In fact, none of the intercepting Japanese fighters were lost or damaged.
The B-17's tail section was hit by Japanese 7.7mm machine gun and 20mm cannon fire.
After the battle, this B-17 reached the north coast of New Guinea, before running short on fuel and successfully force landing wheels up in a swamp covered with kunai grass.
The entire crew made it to Port Moresby arriving April 1, 1942 thirty-six days since their crash landing.
Afterwards, the crew was send to Australia and recovered in the hospital, then returned to flying duty.
This B-17 remained in the swamp where it force landed.
During the war, the bomber was known and sometimes overflown by by Allied air crews, including Eaton.
Gradually, the B-17 was forgotten and overgrown with kunai grass.
During 1972, the bomber was rediscovered during an RAAF helicopter exercise.
The B-17 was found to be in remarkable condition and highly intact.
22/10/1974 Charles Darby visited the bomber by helicopter.
Photographs from his visit were the first publish in his book Pacific Aircraft Wrecks.
His photos show the radios, compass and flight yokes still in place.
After rediscovery, visitors to the wreck removed the instruments, guns and ammunition.
The machine guns were removed by Australians during the 1972 visit. 
One 50 cal machine gun was later donated to the PNG Museum where it was displayed until 2006.
The "Swamp Ghost" nickname was coined by articles and visitors to the wreck - it is not the aircraft's wartime nickname.
Since 2013, B-17E 41-2446 has been displayed at the Pacific Aviation Museum (319 Lexington Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96818, USA).

Pilot  Captain Frederick 'Fred' C. Eaton, Jr., 0395142 (survived)
Co-Pilot  Captain Henry M. "Hotfoot" Harlow, 0398714 (survived)
Navigator  1st Lt. George B. Munroe, Jr., 0412187 (survived)
Bombardier  Sgt Richard E. Oliver, 6578837 (survived)
Engineer  T/Sgt. Clarence A. LeMieux, 6558901 (survived)
Radio/Gunner  Sgt . Howard A. Sorensen, 6581180 (survived)
Waist Gunner  Sgt William E. Schwartz, 6913702 (survived)
Waist Gunner  T/Sgt Russell Crawford, 6851455 (survived)
Tail Gunner  SSgt. John V. Hall, 6710161 (survived)

San Antonio Rose II

Built by Boeing at Seattle, Contract W535-ac15677 @$280535.00,
06/12/1941 Accepted,
08/12/1941 SacD (32hrsTT),
15/12/1941 Copper (Hawaii) 15/12/41 (191.4HrsTT) Per order ST42-5407,
Assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group, 40th Bombardment Squadron. Nicknamed "San Antonio Rose II",
19/02/1942 Took off from Darwin piloted by Lt. Clarance L. McPherson leading a flight of 33rd Pursuit Squadron P-40E Warhawks, but due to bad weather, this B-17 proceeded alone to to Koepang Airfield,
14/03/1942 Project X,
16/03/1942 one of four B-17s from Australia that took off from Del Monte Airfield piloted by Captain Henry Godman with co-pilot Lt. Richard C. Carlisle on a flight bound for Batchelor Field near Darwin in Australia,
Aboard was General Douglas MacArthur and his family,
Took off from Batchelor Field near Darwin piloted by Frank Bostrom arriving at Del Monte Airfield on Mindanao to stage for the Royce Mission,
12-13/04/1942 Took off from Del Monte Airfield bombing missions against Japanese targets in the Philippines,
After the April 13, 1942 mission, this B-17 was parked in the open at Del Monte Airfield,
Spotted by a F1M2 Pete and bombed, this bomber was hit by a 60 kg bomb and destroyed on the ground,
29/04/42 Sumac,
31/10/44 LEFT Condemned,
09/01/45 Off Invent.