[A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] [H] [I] [J] [K] [L] [M] [N] [O] [P] [Q] [R] [S] [T] [U] [V] [W] [X Y Z] [Aircraft]

[Back to 487th Home Page]

487th Bomb Group (H) Aircraft (Updated 2/28/2010)
Aircraft Name Aircraft Type Aircraft Number Aircraft Squadron Aircraft Notes
10 Eggs In A CrateB-2442-52578836In original deployment, may also have been known as "Lumbering Liz"
41-28813B-2441-28813837In original deployment, battle damage 10-May-44 at Boreham
41-28822B-24H41-28822836In original deployment, Shot down 23-Jun-44, Flak hit, aircraft disintegrated mid-air
41-29483B-2441-29483838In original deployment, flown overseas by Balfrey crew. Appears to have been almost immediately reassigned to 445th Bomb Group, 701st Squadron in Tibenham
41-29526B-2441-29526839Crash landed 17-Feb-44, 3 miles N or Alamogordo. Never left USA, may have been "Rhapsody in Rivets"
42-51197B-24H42-5119783920-July-44, Crashed after mid-air collision while on practice mission
42-52182B-2442-52182837May have been one of Casey crew/planes
42-52577B-24H42-5257783829-May-44, attacked by fighters Shot down
42-52591B-24H42-52591839In original deployment - 11-May-44, the B-24 was damaged by flak and the crew nursed it back to southern England where the condition of the plane deteriorated to the point where the crew had to bail out. The ship was set on a course for the Channel before parachuting, but it made a 180 degree turn and crashed in the town of Chicester. May have been named "Rhapsody in Rivets"
42-52619B-2442-52619837In original deployment
42-52656B-2442-52656837In original deployment
42-52708B-2442-52708836In original deployment - Hit by 42-52431 in taxiing accident at Alamogordo on 22-Feb-44. Possibly never reached Lavenham
42-52743B-24H42-52743837In original deployment - 20-May-44, Blew up shortly after take-off, crashed at Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, Suffolk
42-54624B-2442-54624839In original deployment
42-95217B-24H42-95217838Shot down 20-Jun-33, immediately after bombing, direct flak hit tore off tail
42-95236B-2442-95236836Page 77, Ivo's book
42-97270B-17G42-9727083822-May-45 Transferred to 487th from 379th BG "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
42-97398B-17G42-973988384-Apr-44 Transferred to 487th from 91st BG "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 31-Dec-44 - Nothing was heard from this crew apparently crashed in sea.
42-97969B-17G42-9796983927-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
42-97996B-17G42-9799683630-Jun-44 Assigned to 487th 17-Mar-45 battle damage, crash landed Rudnicke Poland "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
42-97997B-1742-979978374-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 25-Nov-44 - Flak damage to controls. The B-17 returned from the mission with serious flak damage to the controls. It proved to be impossible to land it, so the pilot attempted to head out to the North Sea. All his crew members bailed out near Framlingham, Suffolk. When the pilot would leave the B-17 went out of control suddenly and dived into the ground, the pilot perishing in the crash.
42-98001B-17G42-9800183810-Apr-45 Transferred to 487th from 486th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
42-98013B-17G42-9801383830-Jun-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 14-Jan-45, Either collided with German fighter, or other B-17 43-37933 of 487th. A German report states it collided with a German fighter. After bombing and the collision the B-17 peeled off in NW direction. It went into a spin and exploded in mid-air.
42-98014B-1742-980148362-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 3-Feb-45 Aircraft developed engine trouble after bombing and was escorted back by fighters. When over the North Sea all engines went out and Pilot ditched about 15 miles west of Frisian Islands. All crew except waist gunner Sgt. Robert Young (MIA) rescued.
42-98020B-1742-980208392-Aug-44 Assigned to 487th, scrapped 31-Aug-44 "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-37569B-17G43-3756983930-May-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 24-Dec-1944, Fighters shot away rudder control, #2 engine on fire as well as another. (papers at 8th Museum say Crashed near Hods, MACR 11559) - According to Harold Sperber (navigator) plane exploded into 2 pieces, blowing him free of aircraft
43-37805B-17G43-3780583728-Jun-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 6-Aug-44, Berlin, Germany, Flak hit engine #2, prop flew off. Lost altitude rapidly, and crew bailed out.
43-37840B-17G43-3784083620-July-44, Crashed after mid-air collision while on practice mission, may have been assigned to 486th Bomb Group, but was being flown by 487th crew (pilot Stults) this day
43-37858B-17G43-378588362-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 5-Nov-44, Hit by flak over target. Peeled off with no 3 and 4 engines smoking and lost + 3000 ft. altitude. Pilot asked for escort to reach allied lines. The crew later bailed out. The aircraft crashed and burned near Wittlich, 30 km NE or Trier, Germany.
43-37867B-17G43-3786783629-Jun-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-37877B-17G43-378778364-Jul-44 Transferred to 487th from 379th BG "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 30-Nov-44 - Presumed flak hit. Left formation over target and spun down just after bombing at 1314 GMT.
43-37897B-17G43-3789783829-Jun-44 Assigned to 487th 2-Mar-45 battle damage Dresden forced landing Russia "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-37911B-17G43-3791183629-Jun-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-37918B-17G43-379188392-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" Information from James Meta-ball turret gunner on aircraft-sent to 'boneyard' after the war
43-37948B-17G43-379488379-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th 27-Oct-44 transferred to 486th BG "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-37968B-17G43-379688378-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th 27-Oct-44 transferred to 486BG "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-37970B-17G43-3797083811-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-37975B-17G43-379758398-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-37979B-17G43-3797983811-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 24-Dec-44, Aircraft abandoned by Crew over France or Belgium - Crew safe
43-37980B-17G43-379808398-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 25-Aug-44, direct flak hit over target, immediately exploded in air after bombs away. Two crew members blown clear by explosion.
43-37984B-17G43-37984839Salvaged after landing Melsbroek, Belgium 19-Dec-44
43-37989B-17G43-3798983711-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th 25-Aug-44 Battle damage Rechlen, scrapped "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-37991B-17G43-379918378-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-37999B-17G43-3799983714-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th 10-Apr-45 battle damage Brandenburg, forced landing Continent, scrapped "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-38001B-17G43-3800183610-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th, 27-Oct-44 transferred to 486th BG "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-38008B-17G43-3800883911-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 15-Oct-44, Hit by Flak and no 2 engine on file. When no 1 and 4 had to be feathered crew bailed out. The B-17 spun down in flames and crashed in Rieserhof near the village Schnellenbach at the railway to Overath, approx 22km east of Cologne.
43-38015B-17G43-3801583814-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th 15-Feb-45 battle damage, forced landing Continent, scrapped "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-38022B-17G43-3802283612-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th 22-Jan-45 Taxi accident, scrapped "B-17 Flying Fortress Story", Pictured in "The Mighty Eight War Diary" by Roger Freeman, page 443
43-38033B-17G43-380338385-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th 9-Feb-44 Battle damage, forced landing Rennes France, scrapped "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-38141B-17G43-3814183917-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 26-Nov-44 - The B-17 fell back just before the target, doors open but it is not believed that the bombs were dropped. A fire in the bomb pay was seen. German reports, attached to the MACR, say the aircraft went down in Holland and the prisoners were collected on Gutersloh Airfield, Germany; the POW's came from the Krefeld area.
43-38163B-17G43-3816383818-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-38278B-17G43-38278839Photo, page 210 de Jong "The History of the 487th Bomb Group (H)"; "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" states "assigned 838BS/487BG Lavenham 9-Aug-44, transfer 885BS/493BG 10-Aug-44" part of this second comment seems in error, given photo evidence in de Jong book
43-38521B-17G43-3852183621-Jan-45 Transferred to 487th from 390th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-38589B-17G43-3858983828-Sep-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-38596B-17G43-3859683720-Feb-45 - hit by flak in the bomb bay just after bombing. Control cables were broken and the aircraft exploded after 30 seconds. Crashed 20 miles S. of Nurnberg, Germany. No German reports on crash-site and burials.
43-38654B-17G43-3865483622-May-45 Transferred to 487th from 379th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story", returned to US by Hauenstein crew
43-38704B-17G43-3870483622-May-45 Transferred to 487th from 379th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-38708B-17G43-3870883617-Oct-44 Assigned to 487th, 4-Nov-44 transferred to 398th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-38776B-17G43-38776836Ray McGowan mentions being assigned this aircraft. It appears to have been assigned to 95thBG
43-38793B-17G43-3879383730-Nov-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-38809B-17G43-3880983619-Feb-45 assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story:
43-38816B-17G43-3881683612-Oct-44 transferred to 487th from 305th, 12-Jan-45 battle damaged, forced landing continent, 21-Jan-45 salvaged "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-38888B-17G43-3888883930-Nov-44 assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story", plane was originally with 838th squadron, then assigned to 839th squadron (per Mike Quering). 11-Mar-45-shot down over Ronneburg / Hamburg. Crashed on the West side of Autobahn from Hamburg to Luneburg. Control was lost, presumably due to flak barrage. All crew KIA
43-38892B-17G43-38892836
43-38952B-17G43-3895283930-Dec-44 Assigned to group "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-38956B-17G43-38956
28-Oct-44 Assigned to 487th, 30-Jan-45 salvaged non-battle damage "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-38969B-17G43-3896983619-Nov-44 Assigned to 487th, 20-Dec-44 Transferred to 92BG "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-39049B-17G43-3904983913-Apr-45 Assigned to 487th according to "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-39068B-17G43-390688366-Dec-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 8-Jan-45 - Crash-landed at St. Margarets, Kent - crew safe-pilot by Capt. Frank Casey
43-39099B-17G43-3909983813-Apr-45 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-39108B-17G43-3910883919-Dec-44 Assigned to 487th according to "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story" Shot down 3-Mar-45, Brunswick
43-39126B-17G43-391268387-Mar-45 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story", Crash landed St. Trond Belgium 7-Apr-45 after being rammed by German fighter
43-39165B-17G43-3916583622-May-45 Transferred to 487th from 379 BG "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-39234B-17G43-392348383-Mar-45 Assigned to 487th according to "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
43-39279B-17G43-39279838
43-39397B-17G43-3939783825-Mar-45 Assigned to 8AF according to "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-6114B-17G44-6114838Lost in training accident 9-Aug-1944
44-6290B-17G44-62908368-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th according to "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story" Shot down 9-Nov-44, Direct flak hit, Eng #3 enveloped in flame and fire in nose at 10,000 ft. Went down seemingly out of control vertically and blew up. Most of crew blown out in explosion.
44-6299B-17G44-629983614-Aug-44 Assigned to 487th according to "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 2-Feb-45 (or 6-Feb-45) Evidently lost in sea off south coast crew bailed out over land and survived. Per Tony Honeyman.
44-6305B-17G44-630583812-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th according to "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story" Crashed 12-Sep-44, Lost one engine between Bremen & Hamburg, fell behind in formation. Lost another 2 engines, crew bailed out. Pilot presumed to have bailed out too low and was killed.
44-6463B-17G44-64638395-Oct-44 Assigned to 487th according to "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story" Shot down 28-Sep-44, Hit by flak, abandoned by crew and crashed near Naherstille.
44-6468B-17G44-646883827-Sep-44 Assigned to 487th according to "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story". Evidently involved in night landing incident on 3-Jan-45 where right wing tip clipped tree, but later landed safely.
44-6507B-17G44-650783713-Sep-44 Assigned to 487th, transferred to 379BG 24-Sep-44, according to "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-6570B-17G44-657083615-Oct-44 Assigned to 487th, caught fire on take off for Hannover 14-Mar-45, crashed Grov Fm, Pakefield UK, 2KIA, 8 baIled
44-6609B-17G44-660983611-Oct-44 Assigned to 487th , battle damaged 17-Feb-45
44-6845B-17G44-68458385-Feb-45 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-6924B-17G44-69248368-Feb-45 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8021B-17G44-802183930-Oct-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8023B-17G44-802383728-Oct-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8037B-17G44-803783828-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th, transferred to 94BG 29-May-45 "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8039B-17G44-80398362-Aug-44 Assigned to 836th Squadron, later to 837th Squadron, transferred to 94BG 29-May-45 "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8121B-17G44-812183624-Dec-44 Attacked by fighters, when right wing on fire all bailed out. The B-17 crashed 1/2 mile NW of Esneux, Belgium -- Assigned to group 10-Aug-44
44-8149B-17G44-814983929-Oct-44 Assigned to 487th, transferred to 94BG 29-May-45 "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8180B-17G44-818083728-Oct-44 Assigned to 487th, transferred to 94BG 29-May-45 "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8276B-17G44-82768375-Sep-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 18-Mar-45-hit by flak 30 seconds before bombing. Two engines were lost. The bombs were jettisoned and the pilot headed for Poland, but the crew had to bail out at 10,000 ft. and landed in the area of Landsberg (Gorzow) and Massin (Mosina), Poland. Russian fighters strafed the airmen in descent and apparently killed two. The B-17 crashed in that vicinity. Aircraft may have been named 'Cubby' as copilot Leon listed as flying 'Cubby'
44-8307B-17G44-830783828-Oct-44Transferred to 487th from 92BG , salvage to 9AF 10-May-46 "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8312B-17G44-831283620-Feb-45 Transferred to 487th from 493rd "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-83278B-17G44-83278837487th book, color photo, assigned 487th 12-Apr-45 according to "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8333B-17G44-83338379-Sep-44 Assigned to 487th, crashed on takeoff for Munster 22-Oct-44, scrapped "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-83397B-17G44-8339783815-Apr-45 Last aircraft assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8456B-17G44-84568375-Jan-45 Assigned to 487th, transferred to 94BG 22-May-45 "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8523B-17G44-8523836
44-8530B-17G44-8530836
44-8547B-17G44-85478362-Jan-45 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 8-Apr-45 Mission to Plauen, aircraft received a direct flak hit near the right wing over the target about 1 minute after bombing. It went into a dive, fire spreading along the wing into the engines and exploded. Crashed NW of Hof. MACR #13742
44-8563B-17G44-856383830-Dec-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 14-Jan-45, Shot down by German fighters before the target. When most of the crew had bailed out, the B-17 blew up in mid-air and crashed at Gutenpaaren, 15 km NE of Brandenburg, Germany--Assigned to 487th 30-Dec-44
44-8569B-17G44-8569839Found info at 2003 reunion, also, in Freeman book "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" it states assigned 839BS/487BG (R5-P) Lavenham 8-Feb-45
44-8606B-17G44-8606836Page 232 Ivo's book
44-8606B-17G44-86098361-Feb-45 Assigned to 487th, battle damage 6-Feb-45 Chemitz, crash landed hit truck, scrapped "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8609B-17G44-86098369-Feb-45 Transferred to 487th from 96BG "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8611B-17G44-86118362-Jan-45Assigned to 487th, taxi accident 21-Jan-45, scrapped 22-Jan-45, "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8614B-17G44-86148368-Dec-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 24-Dec-1944 - After fighter attacks at 22,000 ft. the B-17 peeled off and went into a spin with wing on fire and loosing altitude. Crashed in the vicinity of Spa, Belgium. Two bodies were found in wreckage.--Assigned to 487th 8-Dec-44 "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8641B-17G44-86418397-Mar-45,Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8645B-17G44-864583830-Dec-44 Transferred to 487th from 34BG, battle damage 13-Jan-45, mid air coll 15-Jan-45 with 44-8529 scrapped "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8672B-17G44-867283820-Jan-45 Assigned to 487th, taxi accident and caught fire 18-Feb-45, scrapped 20-Feb-45 "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" Pictured in "The Mighty Eighth War Diary" by Roger Freeman, page 443
44-8674B-17G44-867483620-Feb-45 Assigned to 487th, battle damage 15-Mar-45 Oranienburg, forced landing 22-Mar-45 Poznan Pol, scrapped 22-Mar-45 "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8746B-17G44-874683715-Mar-45 Direct flak hit over Wittenberg, Germany, blew off the nose of the B-17. It made a 180 degree turn to the right, two engines smoking and losing altitude rapidly. Although it was seemingly under control, a nearby aircraft reported that everything forward of ball turret seemed to have been wiped out. It was last observed turning down. Interphone was knocked out. No German reports in MACR about exact crash-site and burials. Assigned to 487th 20-Feb-45 "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8766B-17G44-87668368-Jan-45 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story", Also shown as call sign 2G-P
44-8808B-17G44-88088379-Mar-45 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 10-Apr-1945, hit by fighters (jets) and a fire developed in the cockpit. Most of the crew bailed out, but two airmen were overcome by the fire and went down in the plane which crashed 5-6 miles west of Gardelegen, Germany. MACR 14196--Assigned to 487th 9-Mar-45 "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8843B-17G44-884383619-Apr-45 Transferred to 487th from 398BG, transferred to 2BG 29-May-45 "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8859B-17G44-885983816-Mar-4 Assigned to 487th - transferred 15AF 29-May-45 "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8878B-17G44-887883616-Mar-45 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8913B-17G44-8913837Departed the US on 25 Mar 1945 and was assigned to the Eighth Air Force. It was dropped from inventory as salvage due to non-battle damage on 10 Apr 1945 - Information from Air Force Historical Research Agency supplied by Leigh Taylor
44-8922B-17G44-892283830-Mar-45 Assigned to 487th Caught fire 14-Apr-45, scrapped 22-May-45 "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
44-8926B-17G44-8926
23-Apr-45 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
607B-17G607836William Ballard pilot "Plane had 607 in tail number", because Ballard crew flew missions from Feb-45 on, assuming this was a B-17G, and it was assigned to 836th
AliceB-17


Allergic to CombatB-17


Aluminum OvercastB-17G44-87408383-Mar-45 Assigned to 487th (Also assigned to 837BS) "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
BansheeB-17G
839Pictured in book "The History of the 487th Bomb Group", page 153
Bashful BessieB-17G43-3803983816-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
Bashful MarionB-2442-52652838In original deployment
Beelzebub's BabeB-2441-29488839In original deployment
Beverly JeanB-17G43-3796983611-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 19-Mar-45, collided with B-17G 43-38038 on return from mission, crashed in vicinity of Couvron, France. Crew bailed out, all safe. Aircraft named after Pilot Richards daughter. Also callsign 2G-H
Big Ast BurdB-2441-29520836In original deployment, likely this is name of aircraft
Big Bad Wolf (The)B-2441-29479838Assigned crew 87-8-17 original deployment Special Orders 71
Big DripB-2441-29524839In original deployment, may have been briefly assigned to 493rd BG before assignment in Aug 44 to 446th BG
Big Drip, Jr. (The)B-17G43-3797483914-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
Black Widow



Black Widow (The)B-2442-52769837In original deployment
Blasted EventB-2441-29487837In original deployment, First with this name, second a replacement 42-95334 also with same name
Blasted EventB-2442-95334837Replacement aircraft, with same name as original 41-29487
Blonde BomberB-17G44-630783714-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th according to "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story" Shot down 25-Nov-44, Abandoned by crew on return due to battle damage.
Blow JobB-24H42-52763838In original deployment - 11-May-44, hit by flak. No. 3 engine burning fiercely. Peeled off to the right. When 2 engines out, dove down, salvoed bombs and made a crash landing at Orgeres 25 km ENE of Chateaudun. (MACR 4783)
Bonnie LassieB-17G43-385988396-Oct-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" - Crewed by Ellis crew, information from Gerald Obrecht (My guess that the aircraft number is 43-38598, Gerald remembers calling it 8598)
Box CarB-24H42-52624839Shot down 7-Jun-44, direct flak hit, exploded
Buzz TailB-2441-29553837In original deployment - destroyed in crash 10-June-44
Buzzin BastardB-24H42-52431836In original deployment, Hit 42-52708 in taxiing accident, Alamogordo. Taxiing accident Lavenham (22-Feb-44) Overshot taxiway, springing fuselage. Later used for spare parts.
Buzzin' BetsieB-2442-52620837In original deployment, transferred from USAAF stocks to RAF (possibly when group shifted to B-17 operations)
CaldoniaB-17G
836
CaledoniaB-17G42-980118383-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
Carry Me BackB-17G43-390458382-Jan-45 Assigned to 487th according to "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
Caught in the Draft



Cherchez la FemmeB-17G

Name supplied by Guy Sandusky, Orval Sandusky's son
Chief WapelloB-2442-52618839In original deployment
Classy ChassyB-24H42-95198838Assigned to Pete Riegel, after loss of 'Starduster' - Transferred to 446th when 487th moved to B-17's
Cold TurkeyB-2442-52452836In original deployment
Consolidated Mess (The)B-2441-29535839In original deployment (May have been named Dreamboat), Accident 24-Mar-44 at Herbert Smart Airport, Macon GA, while still at Herrington KS, completely wrecked, salvaged.
Cover Girl



Cubby

837
D-Day DebB-24J

Mentioned by Jerry Ogle - his Dad crewed on her
Dinah-miteB-17G44-86948392-Feb-45 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
DNIF AnnieB-2442-52588839In original deployment
DreamboatB-2442-52657836In original deployment
Elliot's IdiotsB-17G43-38030836Identified as B-17 and tail number by Roger Broadbent
Enchanted Vagabond



Fearless FosdickB-17G44-6315837Manufactured by Douglas Aircraft, Long Beach CA and delivered to the USAAF on 29 Jun 1944. It went to Kearney AAF NE and departed the US on 13 Jul 1944. It was assigned to the Eighth Air Force. (14-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th according to "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story") On 22 Sep 1944, it was dropped from inventory as missing in action, but was repaired and re-entered service on 31 Oct 1944. It returned to the US on 10 Jul 1945 and was placed in storage at Independence AAF KS. It was declared excess on 25 Oct 1945 and sent to Kingman AZ, where it was scrapped on 16 Dec 1945 - Information from Air Force Historical Research Agency supplied by Leigh Taylor
Fime SientzB-17G43-382608379-Aug-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 22-Sep-44-Aircraft was hit by flak near Wiesbaden at 22,000 ft. Pilot attempted to return to Allied lines. No 4 engine was lost, no 3 partially, but when a fire developed in the outer wing tanks, crew bailed out. The B-17 crashed West of Seibersbach/Hunsruck, 15 km W of Bingen, Germany.
Flak HackB-17G42-1024978361-May-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 24-Dec-44, Attacked by fighters just after aircraft #444 of Genl. Castle aborted. No 3 engine hit and no 4 going out. Then attacked again. Last seen in Ardennes area.
Flak Happy PappyB-2442-52666838In original deployment, name/tail # tied together by Tom Brittan
FlutterbyeB-17G
839Appears there was also a B-24 named Flutterbye?
FlutterbyeB-2442-52640839In original deployment - There is a photo of nose art on B-17 named Flutterbye
Fluxuatin Kate


B-17, maybe?
Fluxuatin KateB-2442-52622839In original deployment, 2 planes same name? 24 & 17?
Flying ChapelB-17G43-3803883812-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 19-Mar-45, On return from mission, collided with B-17G 43-37969 (from 487th) over Allied territory and crashed near Couvron, France. All on crew killed. Named Flying Chapel by Rhodes crew, but evidently did not have nose art.
Forever AmberB-17G44-870283620-Feb-45 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 10-Apr-45, Canon shells of Me262 ripped into tail, perforating the vertical stabilizer and inboard right wing panel. Fire in No 3 engine, flames swept back to the tail. Peeled off shortly afterwards and dropped behind. Crew bailed out at RP, 7 miles West of Elbe River. Later right wing came off. Exact crash site not recorded. MACR #13884
Foxy PhoebeB-2441-29527837In original deployment
Gashouse GusB-2441-29476839In original deployment
Goin' Up Doc



Gravel GertieB-17G43-391888393-Mar-45 Assigned to 487th according to "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
Green HornetB-24H42-52586837In original deployment-Flew only 1 mission. Aircraft may have been damaged in Atlantic crossing, didn't seem to fly properly. On first mission lost engine, never was returned from maintenance, Mentioned by Jerry Ogle - his Dad crewed on her
Gus' PupB-17G43-3801383911-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" Info from Pete Plumb & Walter Wise confirm aircraft #
Hades LadyB-17G


Happy WarriorB-17G43-3825483812-Aug-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story", flew through the end of the war
Hard T' FindB-24H42-50373839Pictured in Mighty 8th War Diary (pg. 278)
Heavenly BodyB-17G43-3815483618-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 30-Sep-44 - When in sharp turn in heavy contrails ship 43-38037 of same squadron was presumed caught in prop wash, went over on its back and collided with #43-38154 of same squadron. Left wing (of #154) and left wing of #37 came off and both aircraft spun down. Crashed at Leopoldshohe-Kentrup, 9km E. of Bielefeld.
Hell 'n GoneB17


Hell's BelleB-2441-29514839In original deployment
Hell's Belle tooB-17G43-3800383911-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 15-Dec-44 Ditched 18 miles off Southwolk, UK all crew rescued NOTE: Probably named "Hell's Belle too" by Eriksen crew after their original "Hell's Belle" B-24. Then probably renamed "Hell's Bells Peggy" by a later crew, perhaps the Sherrill crew.
High HopesB-2442-52692839In original deployment
High Tailed LadyB-17G43-3802883814-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 15-Mar-45, shot up in raid to Oranienburg, elected to attempt a crash landing in Poland which was in Russian hands. The crew made it down safely, but were 'liberated' by the Russians who treated them more like prisoners than allied airmen. Finally all but two, hospitalized, were released.
Hitler's HearseB-17G
839Ray Avey pilot
Honorable PatchesB-17G42-97997838Information from Kathleen Jennings White, daughter of William Jennings, gunner on this aircraft.
Jane & Sharon AnnB-17G43-379978378-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
Judy



Just F/O 20%



KellyB-17


Lazy LadyB-24H42-52444838In original deployment - 11-May-44, direct flak hit in flight deck at 11,000 ft., dove down and exploded in mid-air 3km E of Varize. After some time the bombload exploded. (MACR 4782)
Leacherous LouB-17G43-3917383819-Feb-45 Assigned to 487th according to "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story" Shot down, hit by flak over Ruhland 17-Mar-45 MACR 13110 (Another aircraft in group carried same name?)
Lecherous Lou
41-29487

Liberty BelleB-17G43-3803783613-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 30-Sep-44 - When in sharp turn in heavy contrails this B-17 was caught in prop wash (presumed), went over on its back and collided with #43-38154 of same squadron. Right wing (of #37) and left wing of #154 came off and both aircraft spun down. Crashed at Bexterhagen, 9km E. of Bielefeld.
Lindy LouB-17G44-819283824-Dec-44 - 7 fighters attacked, nose and flight deck shot up. Left wing on fire, some crew bailed out, then aircraft blew up. -- Assigned to group 10-Sep-44 "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
Little Gert



Lumbering Liz



Luscious Lady



Mac's Mighty MidgetsB-24H42-52625836In original deployment, previously thought to be named "Sammy's Niece". Taxi accident, Lavenham, 29-Jun-44, possibly ground collision with 42-52653 of 836th squadron
Mak's Mighty Midgets



Mean Widdle KidB-17G43-3798783915-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 10-Apr-1945, hit by flak, circled out of formation to the left, lost altitude with No. 2 engine windmilling, leveled off and exploded. Crashed in area Jerichow-Genthin, 30 km NW of Brandenburg. MACR #13883
MemorialB-17G44-8524838Page 244, Ivo's book
Miss Bea Haa



Miss Bea HavinB-2442-52761836In original deployment, evidence that this plane may have been named Miss Bea Havin, same as B-17 in 837th Squadron later on
Miss Bea HavinB-17G43-3790183730-Jun-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
Miss HappB-2441-29523837In original deployment
Miss VirginlyB-17G42-9797083728-Jun-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
Mission BelleB-24

In original deployment, perhaps
Moldy Fig (The)B-17G43-3800783811-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 5-Aug-44, shot down Madeburg, Germany, flak hit on right wing and bomb bay minutes before bombing. Part of wing came off and aircraft exploded.
Mountain TimeB-2442-52736836In original deployment
Murph's Mighty MobB-24H42-52609836In original deployment - Shot down 2-Jul-44 hit by flak
Murph's Motley MobB-24H42-52646837In original deployment
Mutzie "B"B-17G42-980198382-Aug-44 Assigned to 487th (indicates original assignment to 838th Squadron) "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 24-Dec-44 - #3 prop feathered, trouble developed in #2, then #1 blew up, returned to Belgian coast and all bailed out - 4 missing in North Sea.
My Baby



My Gal EileenB-2442-52767836In original deployment
My Gal EllenB-17G43-377358377-Jun-44 Assigned to 487th 29-Jun-45 transferred to 457BG "B-17 Flying Fortress Story", Some question about whether this tailnumber, Name are a match
My Homely ChumB-2441-29469838In original deployment
Naughty MariettaB-17G43-379238373-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
Naughty MarietteB-2442-5258183817-Jul-44 Crashed on approach at Lavenham, aircraft had battle damage. Two were killed and seven wounded.
Notion N MotionB-17G278839Two aircraft in the group have tail numbers ending in "278", 43-38278 and 44-83278. Could Notion N Motion be one of these? Ray Dorman indicates he flew this aircraft, therefore I believe it is a 839th plane.
Nov Shmoz Ka PopB-17G44-833283727-Sep-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
Off Limits



Okmulgee SpecialB-2442-52461839In original deployment, tail number and name possibly the same, as Roger Preston family indicates he flew on Okmulgee Special, and his orders show assigment to 42-52461. Records also indicate the plane may have been "Midnight Mistress".
Old Gray GullB-2442-52748837In original deployment
Old RepulsiveB-2442-52636836In original deployment
Ole Andy of KansasB-2441-29528838In original deployment
One TimeB-17G
839Name supplied by Richard Rossi
Our BabyB-17G43-3800283811-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 14-Jan-45 - Crashed into church at border of the village Rhode, 21 km east of Brunswick. All crew bailed out and survived, POW. Also pictured in book, 'Bomber Command'
Outlaw (The)B-17G43-390348382-Jan-45 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
PaddlefootB-17G43-389888392-Jan-45 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 9-Feb-45 hit by flak just prior to bombing, lost about 1,000 ft. altitude per minute. Abandoned by the crew and crashed at Heringen, +- 6km SE of Nordhausen (Harz, Germany, or 60 km NW of the target, Weimar Germany
Passionate Witch



PatchesB-17G43-388938365-Jan-45 assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
Peg O' My HeartB-17G
838
Peg O' My HeartB-24H41-2946883811-May-44, crippled by flak at Chateaudun. All of crew bailed out. The aircraft crashed at Bretoncelles (German report) or Coulonges-les-Sablons (Col. Lay). These places are close together, 44km W. of Chartres, France. (MACR 4750)
Picadilly LilleyB-17G43-3804483714-Jul-44 Transferred to 487th from 91BG "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 6-Feb-45, All of crew bailed out on return. The B-17 crashed at Triptis, 20 km SW of Gera, Germany
Pleasure BentB-17G43-379818388-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
Problem ChildB-2442-94756839In original deployment, Lt. Col Lay's plane during original deployment flight overseas
Queen of HeartsB-17G44-69138375-Feb-45 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 10-Apr-1945, Just before the IP the B-17 started to lag behind, came up again but lost its proper position when the formation was attacked by Me262. Two large bursts hit the waist windows at both sides. The B-17 remained with the formation for some minutes, then turned off, losing altitude slowly. It was last observed at 1453h, position 5238-1128 which is east of Celle, Germany. MACR 13885. Some other source stated - Crashed near Kobbenitz
Rack 'em BackB-24H41-29525838In original deployment
Ready BettyB-24H42-52746838In original deployment
Ready BettyB-17G44-683583922-May-45 Transferred to 487th from 379BG, returned to US (Bradley) 12-Jul-45 "B-17 Flying Fortress Story". Notes from pilot Wim Cooper family, this aircraft may have carried this name
Red GrowlerB-24H42-52739838Damaged by flak, ditched 30-May-44
Reluctant LadyB-24

No details, probaby a B-24 of original deployment, cannot connect tail number
Rhapsody in RivetsB-24

Could have been either 41-29526 or 42-52591, but anyway it seems to have been a B-24
Rough RidersB-2442-52771838In original deployment
Roxie Phoebe



Sack RabbitB-17G
839Information on aircraft name from family of Joseph Bodio
Salty DogB-17G43-3804583914-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th, also "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" Pictured in 'Mighty Eighth War Manual' by Roger Freeman
Sammy's NieceB-2442-52766836In original deployment
Satan's LadyB-24


Satchel LassB-2441-29482839In original deployment, Another plane, #42-52662, in 838th may have carried the same name "Satchel Lass"
Satchel LassB-2442-52662838Another plane, #41-29476, in 839th may have carried the same name "Satchel Lass"
Shoo Shoo BabyB-2442-52747839In original deployment
Shoo Shoo Baby IIB-17G44-630283912-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th , transferred to 486 BG 27-Oct-44 according to "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
Silver Fox



Sky Master



Sky PrincessB-17G
837Information from Thomas King's (pilot) daughter
Sleepless KnightsB-2442-52653836In original deployment
Sleepytime GalB-24


Smokey Joe



Snake BitB-17G43-3804283914-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story", 23-Mar-45, nearly lost in midair where prop from a following aircraft, chewed into the rudder of the plane. Note: there is also evidence that the plane may have been named "Snake Bite"
Solid Sender


Name found in 100th Mission celebration program
Spirit of '76'B-2442-52776839In original deployment, may have been named "Caught in the Draft"
Spook (The)B-2442-52572836In original deployment
StardustB-17G43-3925783712-Apr-45 Assigned to 487th according to "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story", Flown by Leonard Scales
StardusterB-24H42-52651838In original deployment - "Starduster" was presented to Pete Riegel's crew at Alamogordo. Purchased with War Bonds by the people of Franklin County, MO & approved by Gen. Arnold & others. - 28-May-44, became a straggler on return. The B-24 was abandoned by crew and crashed 1 km W of Xhoris, 21 km S. of Liege, Belgium. (MACR 5223)
Sweat BoxB-17G43-3816983618-Jul-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 29-Dec-44 - Crashed near Bitburg/Eifel, Germany
Sweatin' It OutB-24H42-52629838In original deployment - Shot down 6-June-44, downed in North Sea, entire crew missing
Sweet SeventeenB-17
836Mentioned by Carrie Ceder Root - Her Dad served on this aircraft
Tail WindB-2442-52580836In original deployment
TailwindB-2441-29481837In original deployment, Crashed in Chichester on 11-May-44 after crew tried to reverse the direction of aircraft before bailing out
Texas Rose



TondelayoB-24

Not sure if part of 487th
Trade WindsB-2441-28837837In original deployment
Treble FourB-17G44-844483611-Nov-44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortess Story" 24-Dec-1944, Shot down by fighters,Crashed near Hods, MACR #11552
Tru LoveB-17G
838
Tweachewous Wabbit (The)B-2442-52425837In original deployment
Unfinished BusinessB-17G43-3924983612-Apr-45 Assigned to 487th according to "The B-17 Flying Fortress Story"
UnflakableB-17
839Name provided by niece of George Mavredakis, who was a gunner on this aircraft.
Varga GirlB-17G981838# supplied by Wm Jennings daughter
Virgin VampireB-2442-52745838In original deployment, landing accident 30-May-44, strck 41-29482 of 839th Squadron, repaired
Weary WillyB-17G43-389268362-Dec-44 assigned to 487th, "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 24-Dec-44, FW190's attacked; the aircraft was riddled. With whole right wing aflame, as well as bomb bay, the B-17 fell off in spin and blew up. Crashed near Sprimont, 15 km due west of Bastogne.
Weary Wolf (The)B-2441-29478837In original deployment
Weary Wolf II (The)B-2442-51182837
Winged JennyB-24

Evidently was B-24, Olive drab/neutral gray # 42-52xxx
Winner Q QueenB-17G
836
Woodies Woodpecker



Worry Bird
991836
Yankee DollaB-2442-52669837In original deployment
Yankee MaidB-17G43-379338372-Jul 44 Assigned to 487th "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" 14-Jan-45 - Lost #4 engine dropped from formation. Immediately attacked by 6 Me109's. Six crew bailed out but pilot/co-pilot made belly landing. "B-17 Flying Fortress Story" indicates mid air with 42-98013
Yankee Maid IIB-17G43-39347837

[A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] [H] [I] [J] [K] [L] [M] [N] [O] [P] [Q] [R] [S] [T] [U] [V] [W] [X Y Z] [Aircraft]

[Back to 487th Home Page]