Monday, July 10 will be the 57th anniversary of my getting shot down in "Stric-Nine". This was on an abortive raid on Villa-Coublay in which we turned back because of a complete overcast. My plane went down in the Seine bay-about 20 miles off Cherbourg. Only two of us were recovered.

I'll always remember that day.

I have finally found the group that my late uncle,Porter Clemens,was in and am now thying to find any photos of his plane,'The Black Swan",that was shot down on dec. 31,1943.I would love to talk with any who knew him or see any photos of the plane or crew.I recently aquired some newspaper clipping and POW postcards of him.If any would like to see them go to http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/billsfords?d&.flabel=fld8&.src=ph Thanks for all the 91st has done.Bill

Hello... my name is Wayne Salleng. I'm the son of 1st Lt Leonard Salleng. He was a Bombardier on a B-17F-DL named "BLOND BOMBER". My father is still alive but he has lost copies of the nose art of his specific plane before the war ended. He still has many other copys of the plane but none of the nose art. Can anyone help me find a good closeup copy? I thank you all for your help.
awsalleng@aol.com
Wayne Salleng

Just flew on a B-17 last night, courtesy of the Collings Foundation (Nine-O-Nine). For readers who are not familiar with the history of Nine-O-Nine, the original Nine-O-Nine was deployed on February 25, 1944, and flew 140 missions without an abort or loss of crew before being scrapped. The B-17G flown by the Collings Foundation (serial no. 44-83575) - and the one I was priveleged to ride in last night - was manufactured late in the war and never served in combat, though it did fly as part of the Military Air Transport Service before beginning a 20-year stint as a fire bomber. It was restored by the Collings Foundation and named after the famous Nine-O-Nine.

A wonderful experience (but, of course, there were no Germans shooting at me!)! The powerful vibrations and marvelous hum of those four engines; the mesmerizing view from the bombardier's station. For me, the experience of a lifetime!

My hat is off to all the valiant crews who flew these airplanes during WWII. Without their efforts and sacrifices the outcome of the war may have been quite different. Britons, Europeans, and Americans alike should revere their deeds and their memory.

A plaque to honor and remember the crew of Chief Sly III was dedicated @ 1100am on 29 june 2000 at the 8th AF heritage Museum in Pooler Ga.
Back to the crew called out for Chief Sly III. The Bombardier is 2nd.Lt. Albert L. Rolick not 2nd Lt.Raymond A.Mallette. Ray was not sent to England-in early '44 was sent to the Pacfic with the 13th AF and was a Bombardier on a B-24, was MIA 12 april 1944 over Truk island.However,Ray was on the training crew of C.B.Pinning in Dalhart TX.
When Lowell Getz can dig up the loading lists(he is working on them),I may be able to I.D. the complete crew.I'm shy two members to complete the crew.
I believe the photo displayed was taken after 23 sept and probably closer to 02 oct 1943.Thanks for your efforts-Bill

Was there a pilot in the 91st named CLOTHIER ?

I was only 8 at the time but I do know he was flying B-17s.

This is a great site. My Grandfather's name is Hank Cordes and he served in Bassingbourn in the 401st Bomb Squadron. As Crew Chief he worked on many planes and I am particularly interested in "Shoo Shoo Baby" which he named after my Grandmother's favorite song. I have many pictures and documentation I hope to soon have a web site on. I am interested in learning more about the people at Bassingbourn. I would like to find someone who knew Hank Cordes or was in Bassingbourn around 1944-45 as I have many photos of crews, friends, and B-17's I hope to identify.

My father severed in the 91st BG 324bs in Bassingborn England. He survived the war but died in August of 1992. Until his later years he did not talk a great deal about his experiences but in the last few years he did open up more. It is amazing how few made it home safely. The computer I'm presently on will not let me e-mail. At my ealiest conv. I will e-mail a photo of my fathers ship and crew. It is listed on the photo page of nose art "Just nothing". Hopfully some will enjoy seeing it.

ANYBODY REALTED TO THE "STARDUST" B-17, PLEASE CONTACT ME.

I'M BILL " FEATHER" LYNCH ORIGINALLY FROM NEW YORK CITY

I WAS THE TAIL GUNNER IN THIS PLANE.

To Milton Long who was in on the liberation of Stallag 7a, I'd like to say that I was one of the flyers that your group released. All of us thank you very much.

Leland Forsblad, 323rd SQ. 91st BG.