Warbird Information Exchange

Their B-17 was assigned to the 15th Air Force in 1944. They are not clear if it flew any combat missions or not, but it was delivered as a combat ready aircraft. Eventually the airplane was assigned to General Ira Eaker. It was named Starduster. Their plan is to keep in combat configuration with turrets and such, but put it back into Starduster markings. I was wondering if anyone has any photos of Starduster during the war.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

Foreman's Nose Art Directory says no picture but you would think there would be some
97th BG pictures somewhere. I'm just glad there is a representative of the Fifteenth out there

Steve

I don't think 44-6393 became Starduster until after the war when it was assigned as a CB-17G to Eaker. I've never been able to find a photo of 44-6393 during its wartime service and never been able to find any history other than its assignment to the 15th AF. No bomb group assignments have surfaced. It was assigned in August 1944; you'd think a replacement pool aircraft would have been assigned before the war ended. If it was assigned to Eaker during the war as his personal transport while commander of the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces, you would think the aircraft record card would indicate that but the only entry on the card for the period shows it assigned to "OHAM 15A", the OHAM being the code for 15th AF. It returned to the U.S. in May 1945 and evidently was redesignated as a CB-17G in July 1945, and there is a photo of it as Starduster at Bolling Field believed to be have been taken in late 1945 or 1946 (no turrets and NMF; see also Final Cut, 4th Edition). One of the "great" mysteries still to be solved.

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Scott Thompson
Aero Vintage Books
http://www.aerovintage.com
WIX Subscriber Since July 2017

I was at March yesterday, and the B-17 is over in front of the hanger and well under way to it's repaint. I haven't downloaded the camera yet, but will try to post pictures if any turned out good.

On another note: I haven't been to March in over a year, and they have put major effort into turning the facility into a classy operation. Major changes in where aircraft are housed (The SR-71 is inside!), and well layed out displays also. There is a model of the "Lady Be Good" crash site, with the Time write-up reprinted and posted above it. A couple of flight instruments from the aircraft are included in the display.

If you have the chance, don't missa trip out there. If you haven't been out in a while, make a trip over to see it...

Thanks Randolph, I don't think I've been there since summer of 1998, sounds like a cool thing to do this winter!