B-17E, "The Last Straw" s/n 41-2432
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Pacific Wrecks
Aircraft History
Built by Boeing at . Delivered to the U. S. Army on November 29, 1941. Departed
Boeing Field piloted by Lt. Herbert J. Felton.
Wartime History
On December 6, 1941 took off piloted by 1st Lt. Robert E. Thacker as part of an unarmed ferry flight that departed
Hamilton Field bound for
Hickam Field. On the morning of
December 7, 1941, the formation arrived during the Japanese attack on
Pearl Harbor. While landing at
Hickam Field, this B-17 was accidentally fired on by American anti-aircraft gunners and blew a tire during the landing.
During December 1941, this B-17 flew search missions off Hawaii. Afterwards, ferried overseas to Australia.
On March 12, 1942 took off on a bombing mission against
Salamaua and claimed a Zero shot down.
On July 24, piloted by Lt. Hughey with co-pilot
1st Lt. Gilbert Erb departed
Longreach Airfield to
Mareeba Airfield.
On September 28, 1942, piloted by 1st Lt Gilbert E. Erb on a flight from
Mareeba Airfield to
Archerfield Airfield.
Later, assigned to 43rd Bombardment Group, 65th Bombardment Squadron. Nicknamed "The Last Straw". Modified to mount twin 50 caliber machine guns from the tail of another B-17 in the nose for added forward firepower.
During January 1945, this B-17 was scrapped at
Brisbane.
USAAF
5th AF
43rd BG
63rd BS
Former Assignments
7th BG
40th BS
43rd BG
65th BS