So my research has finally paid off and I have located the date and mission that my grandfather was shot down during (still don't know the serial # of the aircraft).  Mission #142 Villa San Giovanni.  His plane lost three engines to flak and made a perfect landing into the mediterranean near Catania, Sicily where his crew was picked up by a British Destroyer.  They returned to service with a new Aircraft on July 19 for Misison #144.  Now that I have the date does anybody know the MACR for this event?  Also does anybody know how I can retrieve the Serial number.  I have sorted through the VERY long list of aircraft Serial numbers but did not locate it.  Crew on board were:  2LT Schell, P;2Lt Carr, CP;2Lt Kibbe, N; 2Lt Abdallah, B; SSgt Gibbs, RO; TSgt Scholtes, Eng; SSgt Pothier, R/W/G; SSt Brough,  L/W/G; SSgt Britschge, B/T/G; SSgt Berry, T/G/. 
 
CM

Have you tried plugging your data into our MACR database?

http://www.armyairforces.com/Databases/MACR/tabid/102/Default.aspx

Ah, I see there's no entry for that date.   Perhaps there is no MACR since the disposition of the crew was so quickly determined?

Scott Burris, 381st BGMA LTM
ArmyAirForces.com

Murf -
Since Crew was Recovered  , there is no MACR.
You can request the Accident Report.
Found names listed for 1943 on www.accident-report.com
This site charges a FEE but you get it quicker. 
You can also request Free Report from AFHRA - see Research Help top of Page.
Takes longer to get it.
Mike

Chris,

Sorry, I have no serial yet too, but on this site http://www.reddog1944.com/Missions_Targets_Combat_Action.htm
you'll have a picture of a ditching 97th BG B-17 somewhere in 1943. Perhaps it's the one you're looking for? Unfortunately no numbers can be read.

Regards,

Leendert

Chris,

B-17 was "42-29470".  Sent you a PM.

Regards,

Leendert