Posted By Moofy (Yvonne) UK on April 13, 2007 at 05:32:14:
In Reply to: Looking for info on B17 crew posted by Karin Helm on April 06, 2007 at 12:27:27:
: Chelveston base, B17 crew tail#1308, possibly called the Half & Half, or Justice of the Peace. Crew names: Don Hermann, Bob (bombadier),John K ( radio operator),Bob Julander ( tail gunner) and Albert ( Bud) Helm (top turret).
Hi Karin,
Having read your post about the above crew of the 305thBG, I tried looking to see if I could find any info on a B-17 named 'Half and Half' or 'Justice Of The Peace' listed for the 305thBG, with the serial#1308, but this is not a valid serial#.
Only serial# I think may be the one you mean is 43-31308. This B-17 serial#43-31308, Failed To Return and was MIA on the mission of 24th Feb. 1944, crashing at Geisselthardt ? Germany. Pilot was Lt. Harry A. Patterson 6 KIA and 4 POW.
However, there is no mention of it carrying the nose art name of 'Half and Half' or 'Justice Of The Peace'.
(Sometimes crews named their aircraft, but never actually got round to having the nose art painted on, as they were so busy, so that particular aircraft would only be known by it's serial#).
Also, I could not find any mention of either of these two nose art names, listed among the nose art names of the 305thBG.
I did come across a B-17 of the 305thBG serial# 42-38098 that carried the nose art name of 'Old Half and Half'.
When I checked through the 305thBG Roster I have, I could not find any of the crew members you name listed. Having said that, I doubt ALL members of the 305thBG are listed in this Roster.
If I come across anything of help I will get back to you, or maybe one of the guys here may be able to add to what I have found.
Cheers,
Moofy