Posted By Moofy (Yvonne)UK on October 24, 2007 at 08:34:07:
In Reply to: The Cowtown Boogie posted by John Moore on October 23, 2007 at 18:46:37:
: My Grandfather is William E. Stevenson. He named the B-17 Cowtown Boogie. He had his appendix burst before his crew flew their first mission. The new pilot Schimmel apparently took over his plane. My grandfather has altzheimers and never has talked much about the missions he did fly with a new plane. I know he ended his career in the military as an instructor. From what i can gather his nerves were shot and he didn't fly many missions. He is a hero to me no matter what. Does anyone know anyone who may have flown with him?
Hi John,
Having looked through the 2 books I have on the 452ndBG, I was unable to find any mention of your Grandfather, or which crew he flew his missions with.
I can tell you that 'Cow Town Boogie' serial#
42-39995 Piloted by 2nd Lt. Robert C. Schimmel Failed to Return from the mission on the 11th April 1944. Due to mechanical problems, this aircraft landed in Angeltofta, Sweden and the a/c and it's crew were interned for the duration of the war.
P 2nd Lt. Robert C. Schimmel
CP 2nd Lt. Frederick B. Newton
N 2nd Lt. Charles M. McKeag
B 2nd Lt. Ralph A. Libby
TT T/Sgt. William E. Gregory
RO T/Sgt. Leo J. Donoghue
BT S/Sgt. Joseph T. Adamczyk
LW S/Sgt. Albert A. Elliott
RW S/Sgt. Matthew C. Schmitt
TG S/Sgt. Charles T. Skinner
Of course I am not sure if the same crew members on this mission, would have been the original crew members your Grandfather was with.
I have found a small picture of 'Cow Town Boogie', which I will e-mail you.
Cheers,
Moofy