42-107068 "Powerful Katrinka"

Hello from France,
I'm looking for information and photos of the B-17G    42-107068   "Powerful Katrinka"  of the 379th BG - 524th BS.
I thank you.
Thierry.

My great uncle flew on this plane (Powerful Katrina) 1 month before it was shot down. 2 days later in his regular plane (42-38082) he and all crew were killed when they collided with THE OLD FOX (42-37844) while being attacked by german fighters.

Thierry ,
From The B - 17 Flying Fortress Story
by Roger Freeman page 226.
# 42 - 107068 WA- O " Powerful Katrinka "
Delivered Tulsa , OK. 2/10/44
To Grand Island , NE. 2/15/44
Grenier Field 3/5/44
Assigned 379th BG , 525th Sq. 4/11/44
Force Landed Spain 6/25/44
Lt. Thomas Butcher Jr. Crew Interned
MACR # 6737
Photos Listed:
Book  - Shades of Kimbolton  1 Photo
National Air and Space Museum Library
Photo # A71056AC
Mike

Good catch Marty.  The caption on the back of the photo says it was taken on May 20, 1944.  I wonder if the uncle of Tulsa Mike in post #3 might be in this picture, date is about what he said.  Note the photo number in the lower right corner, this is the same photo Shooshoobaby mentioned in his post.

Hal

Sorry for my delay in responding.
I give you the names of the crew on the image of "Powerful Katrinka".
 
Pilot : John Hamlin
Co-pilot : James Petshe
Navigator: Clarence Poethig
Bombardier: Fred Mervine
Engineer: Elmer Armstrong
Radio: Boyce Nelson
Waist gunner: James Pitlick
Ball gunner: Stanley Wick
Tail gunner: Joe Fennig
 
They made their 30^th and last mission on the "Powerful Katrinka" in June 14, 1944 (A/C lost in June 25).
 
Boyce nelson is in the front row, first left.
 
On the day her lost in 25 June1944 the crew consisted of:
 
Butcher Thomas D. Jr.  1^st Lt      P         0-756175   El Paso, TX                   Interned & returned
Wells Joseph L.             2^nd Lt    CP       0-919228   Watertown, NJ              Interned & returned
Vita Franklin R.            2^nd Lt     N         0-710354   Charlotte, NC                Interned & returned
Daniels Richard            2^nd Lt     B          0-761409   Belmont, MA                Interned & returned
Bonham Rollin L.         T/SGT   RO        18219254   Cotter, AR                     Interned & returned
Reid Robert M.            T/SGT    TT       34686710   Rochelle, GA                Interned & returned
Burseth Bennie G.        S/SGT    BT        37297999   Fergus Falls, MN           Interned & returned
Supper Rudolph F.       S/SGT    WG     32681927   Hicksville, NY              Interned & returned
Crawford Ralph F.       S/SGT    TG       37473383   New Market, IA           Interned & returned
 
I am looking for information on these men and on that plane.


- Thierry -

Thank you for offering your help.
I am eager to hear from you.
- Thierry -

Hello from France,
I am really happy to know you. Welcome to this forum.
I worked all this afternoon on my document about “Powerrful Katrinka”.
I am preparing a letter to a member of the crew that crashed in June 25, 1944.
I am in contact with your sister (I think) since last October.
I have a question I wanted to ask her but I am asking you:
- Which town is born your father? –
I am in contact with one of the men on the photo. I think he can talk about your father.
Sincerely, Thierry
Good night !

I have a list of the missions of your father and list of aircraft on which he flew.
If you want I can ask for information about your father to my friend who flew with him.
I write the story of "Powerful Katrinka" and I am very interested in the documents you have.
We are in contact.
- Thierry -

My grandfather - Elmer "Army" Armstrong - served on the first crew (pictured).  This past April he was one of the WWII vets enabled to go on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. 

Hello, I remember your father..He visited my Dad many times..They had their reunions as much as possible..I remember Dad telling me about him going to Washington DC... my dad had a stoke but at 87 yrs old he is still with us..Someone contacted my brother about the book and possible movie on these honorable gentlemen.. I have the picture that is displayed on this forum..My dad is next to Boyce Nelson.. Boyce wrote an article in an airforce mag. pertaining to my father Jim...I wish I could find it because Dad now can't remember where it's at..
Thanks, Pyt.