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Ira Eaker in Frantic

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Barrett
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Ira Eaker in Frantic

Looking at general officers flying combat in WW II, it's well known that Ira Eaker flew a few early 8th AF missions.  Apparently he also led the first Operation Frantic mission from Italy to Russia in June 44.  According to an Air Force Magazine article, he flew right seat in a B-17, but no source I've seen identifies the unit.  It was likely the 97th, 99th or 483rd, as the 2BG history makes no mention.  Any leads appreciated.
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    25Kingman49
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    Re:Ira Eaker in Frantic (permalink)
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    There is a little more detail here: http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2011/March%202011/0311Poltava.aspx , http://forum.armyairforces.com/tm.aspx?high=&m=222771&mpage=1 and http://forum.armyairforces.com/Operation-FRANTIC-JOE-m120759.aspx but it’s still not clear which group Gen Eaker flew with to Russia.
     
    Not much help here either: Craven and Cate, AAF III, pp. 308-19. perhaps it is still secret???
     
    Scott
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    RSwank
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    Re:Ira Eaker in Frantic (permalink)
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    There is a  book, "The Wars of Myron King  -  A B-17 pilot faces WWII and US-Soviet Intrigue"  which says the bomber he flew in was called Yankee Doodle II.   
     
    Then there is this link, which puts it in the 97th BG.
    http://forum.armyairforces.com/B17-quotYankee-Doodle-IIquot-m120762.aspx
     
    (Note:  I don't think this is same as the surviving "Yankee Doodle II" at Barksdale.  
    I also found that Gen Eaker flew his first raid with the 97th on August 17, 1942  in B-17E 41-9023 "Yankee Doodle".) 
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    jpeters140
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    Re:Ira Eaker in Frantic (permalink)
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    According to the 97th History Book "Venit [link=mailto:Hora@...pp176...Quote..Flying]Hora"...pp176...Quote..Flying[/link] with the 97th in the fortress "Yankee Doodle II" was the commanding general of the Mediterreanean Allied Air Forces. Lt General Ira C. Eaker. General Eaker had made the his initial bombing mission with the 97th on 17 August 1943 in Yankee Doodle I.....Unquote.
     
    Jim :-)

    James S. Peters Sr. T/Sgt B-17 Flt Engr, 27 missions 99 BG, 348BS, 5th Wing, 15th AAF Tortorella, (Foggia#2), Italy My Tour was from 12/03/44-06/19/45 M/Sgt USAF (Retired)
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    Barrett
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    Re:Ira Eaker in Frantic (permalink)
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    Thank you gents, I'm grateful.  Undoubtedly Eaker chose the 97th because the group's original Yankee Doodle flew the Aug 42 Rouen mission before the 97th moved to the Med late that year.
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    Al Blue
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    Re:Ira Eaker in Frantic (permalink)
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    Barrett - I wonder if you have ever run across the story that Eaker slept through most of the Rouen Mission that he flew with the 97thBG ?
     
    Al
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