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B-17 pilots

Discussion in '☆☆ New Recruits ☆☆' started by thomasdward2000, Jun 25, 2011.

  1. thomasdward2000

    thomasdward2000 recruit

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    I was wondering if anyone knows anything about the All American B-17? My grandfather flew these during WWII. He took the picture of the All American when it got damaged over Tunisia. His name is Harold E. Ward When he passed away he left me his shadow box, which has this picture of the All American, damaged. My aunt has the issue of LIFE magazine that has a picture of the damaged B-17 on the cover of it. Just wanted to know if I get any feedback about this from anyone.I am currently in the Army and am on my fourth deployment to Iraq. I am also proud of all who served in WWII.
     
    thomasdward2000, Jun 25, 2011
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  2. Biak

    Biak Boy from Illinois Staff Member

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    Welcome to the forum Thomas, First, Thank You for your service to Our Country! Oh and Stay Safe over there !
    It may take a while but there are many on here and I'm sure more than a few will be posting in response to your query.
     
    Biak, Jun 25, 2011
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  3. Victor Gomez

    Victor Gomez Ace

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    A picture of the damage to the All American is also on this website if you would like to see it...B-17 "All American" (414th Squadron, 97BG) flown byThanks for serving your country....I hope this site gives you even more information as time goes by. When I can I will ask if my neighbor has an clues for you, he was a navigator on a B-17. He served on a number of planes before getting shot down and spending time in a German prison.
     
    Victor Gomez, Jun 26, 2011
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  4. Steve Birdsall

    Steve Birdsall recruit

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    I think it's important to note that there has only ever been one in-flight photo of the damaged All American, and it was taken by Lt Charles Cutforth, the navigator on Flying Flit Gun. The photo was widely circulated and is probably part of many 97th Bomb Group veterans' collections.


    The photo was never used on the cover of LIFE magazine, a fact easily established because all their covers are online at LIFE - Google Books. The photo was widely published and appeared in wartime Boeing advertisements.
     
    Steve Birdsall, Oct 13, 2012
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  5. DaveBj

    DaveBj Member

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    Page 51 of the 4 Oct. 1943 Life Magazine has a Boeing ad with the in-flight picture of this wounded B-17. It can be found here:
    LIFE - Google Books

    DaveBj
     
    DaveBj, Oct 13, 2012
    #5
  6. Buten42

    Buten42 Member

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    Can't help with your question but want to welcome you to the forum and thank you and your grandfather for your service.
    Praying for your safe return.
     
    Buten42, Oct 13, 2012
    #6

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