Warbird Information Exchange

Hi Paul,

I was wondering if you could tell me where I could get more information on my uncle Robert F Wright who died on 12/5/43 over Bordeaux, France. I know that he was in the 332nd bomb squad, 94th heavy bomb group. He was a 2nd Lt - Bombardier.
I do have a letter that was sent by an eyewitness that gives a detailed account as to what happened, but no one ever found the plane or any of the crew as far as I know. All that we know is that they were hit by an ME109 and there was a fire in the bomb bay. They eventually dropped out of formation and that was the last anyone ever saw of them. I would love to have a picture of his plane and crew, or just a little more info on what happened.

Thanks
John Stindt

Hi Paul,

I'm not much of a researcher, but here's what I could find on the web:

The 332nd BS lost two Forts over France on 12/5/43: 42-37747 (MACR 1174) and 42-3349 (MACR 1175).

42-3349 was reported to have been attacked by fighters and crashed at Bordeaux. Pilot was 2nd Lt. John K. Perrine, Co-pilot Rodney L. Smith. Aircraft was a B-17F-50-DL, markings were XM-E, nose art "El Mangau".

I'm afraid I couldn't find over what part of France 42-37747 went down.

Do you know if the nephew has obtained a MACR yet?

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

Robert F. Wright 2Lt O-679437
322nd BS 94th BG
bombardier B-17F-50-DL s/n 42-3349
MIA Sunday Dec 12, 1943
awarded Air Medal, Purple Heart & DUC
Wall of Missing Cambridge-American Cemetary, UK

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Don't touch my junk!!

It would appear that 42-3349 may have carried some different nose art during her career with the 94th. Here's a shot of her as "El Mangau" (From the 94th BG site).

http://www.94thbombgroup.com/photo8.gif

_________________
It was a good idea, it just didn't work.