B-17E 41-2666 Jay Zeamer's "Old 666" ...

[Mark Allen M]

Here's a rare shot for ya's ... B-17E, "Lucy" 41-2666 parked at parked at 14-Mile Drome (Schwimmer) near Port Moresby, New Guinea.
2666 delivered Minneapolis Mar 7, 1943, assigned 435th BS, 19th BG Hawaii May 14, 1942, transferred to 65 BS, 43rd BG.
(43rd BG, 65th BS, *Lucy*) flown on mission which earned Jay Zeamer and
Joseph Sarnoski the Medal of Honor Jun 16, 1943, Bougainville, in which they fought off 17 enemy fighters.
After repair transferred to 8th PRS. Returned to USA and assigned to 4134 BU Spokane Mar 22, 1944, to 423 BU Walla Walla
Jul 29, 1944. To RFC at Albuquerqque Aug 9, 1945 and scrapped.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_666
http://zeamerseagerbeavers.com/

[Mark Allen M]

Interesting article.

https://airwarworldwar2.wordpress.com/2 ... f-old-666/

[lmritger]

I sent that link to the historian of the 43rd BG yesterday, and I think he's trying to bid on it for the group.

Lynn (member, 43rd BG Association)

[Mark Allen M]

If I win the bid Lynn he can certainly have it. It's much better off with you guys.

Mark

[lmritger]

Mark, that's a he||uva kind offer- let me know what happens, and I'll put you in touch with Michael if you're successful.

Wasn't 666 originally with the 19th BG? I'm wondering if this pic was taken of her earlier.

Cheers,

Lynn

[Mark Allen M]

Ha! just helping to make sure the right things go to the right places.

[Chris Brame]

Sold for $228.51 - who got it? I was asked to keep mum about it and did so.
Still, at least the seller posted a good clear image for the rest of us to grab for free

[JOMiller]

The "Dogfights" episode about the famous MoH mission was on earlier in the week.

[Mark Allen M]

Nothing to hide as far as these ebay sales are concerned. Although I do indeed "get it" as far as those who feel the need to sell these types of photos on ebay or elsewhere. I'm not, and have never been, a fan of selling certain types of historic items. There are many categories of historic photos that shouldn't be sold IMO. WWII era photos are one of the categories that should never have a price tag on them and should always be available for everyone to see at all times. They are not just photos of history, but also of people who sacrificed so much for all of us to live in freedom. When necessary I'll attempt to purchase what I find that is for sale only to offer it to a proper place where it will be cared for and displayed to anyone who wants to see them, but I'll never ever turn around and sell any photo I have. You can't remember history and you can't respect and honor history when important pieces are locked away in private collections or are only able to be viewed for a price. Certain museums do resort to a fee to see their items on display, but that's because revenue is necessary to keep the doors open and I "get that" as well.

Unfortunately the world has different ideas of what's valuable or not and what's for sale or not. My opinion means very little.

[ZeamerB17]

What happened to the photo?

[ZeamerB17]

Mark, that's a he||uva kind offer- let me know what happens, and I'll put you in touch with Michael if you're successful.

Wasn't 666 originally with the 19th BG? I'm wondering if this pic was taken of her earlier.

Cheers,

Lynn

She was - 435th Squadron. After that, or concurrently, she was flown by the 8th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, before Jay Zeamer got hold of her.

http://zeamerseagerbeavers.com/old-666-lucy-history/

[Chris Brame]

What happened to the photo?

Right here:

[ZeamerB17]

Thanks, Chris.