WIX Archives

Identification of B-17 #240017

Posted by Mike DeBarto on Mon Dec 10, 2001 06:17:32 AM

My name is Mike DeBarto, I am a Major in the US Army stationed in Kaiserslautern Germany. This weekend myself and two friends were looking at some battle sites in the Ardennes area of Belgium. The Belgium man (Karl) who we were with, took us to a site where, according to him, a B-17 made an emergency belly landing in February of 1945. The plane was left there for a few years until it was hauled out for scrap. Karl had some pictures and some parts. He is a local historian and is very interested in getting as much information about the plane and crew as he can. The people of the area still greatly appreciate what we did for them, and have spent much time ensuring that everyone who fought for their freedom is not forgotten. If anyone has either info on the plane or some sutgestions on where to look I would greatly appreciate it.

These are the numbers and letters on the tail of the plane.
I am not sure about the ?WU?, it may have been a ?WV?, as the picture is old and not in very good shape. I can?t figure out what model the plane is because the pictures were taken after the locals had started to strip it.

W
240017
WU

On the fusilage towards the tail was the letters 'MS'



Thanks for any assistance in the matter you can give. I know that if we could find out what happened that it would make many an aged Belgium happy.


Mike DeBarto

Major Michael DeBarto
DOX Plans Officer
Warrior Preparation Center
(DSN) 489-7019/7536
(CIV) 0631-536-7019/7536
mike.debarto@wpc.af.mil


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