B-17 #42-97097

Took off from Chelveston on 27 April 1944 with an assigned target of La Glacerie, France. Spun down and crashed due to flak. Crashed at 1830 hours at 'Signal de Sompuis', three miles east of Poivres, six miles east of Mailly-le-Camp, 19 miles south of Chalons-sur-Marne. Most of the survivors were blown out when the aircraft exploded. 6 KIA 4 POW

6KIA;

Pilot: Lt. Robert T. Knight, FL

Navigator: 2nd Lt. Frederick A. Brown, MA

Bombardier: 2nd Lt. John R. Hendrickson, TN

Radio Operator: T/Sgt. Leo Fines, IN

Ball Turret Gunner: S/Sgt. Alvin E. Billingsley, MO

Waist Gunner: S/Sgt Joseph J. Casatelli, PA

4POW;

Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. Herman E. Sutter, IL 1916-2005

Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: T/Sgt. Emmery H. Tipton, AR 1919-1978

Waist Gunner: S/Sgt. Donnie B. Parker, TX 1920-2004

Tail Gunner: S/Sgt. James N. Montone, Jr., PA 1920-2002

Sources:

https://www.americanairmuseum.com/archive/aircraft/42-97097

www.findagrave.com

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