B17 pilot dog tag, shotdown July 4th 1943

[twining540]

This dog tag belonged to Gordon B Erickson of Ludington Michigan, which is the location I picked up the tag. Erickson was the pilot of the B17 "Nymokymi". On July 4th 1943, during a bombing mission over LeMans France, the Nymokymi was struck by flak, fell behind the group, and was attacked by Me109's. Erickson ordered the crew to bail out given the amount of damage the plane had taken. Erickson, along with three other crewmembers were able to evade capture by the Germans with the help of the French resistance. Below are two links which include photos of the crashed Nymokymi, crew photos, official restricted paperwork of the after action report, and a first hand account written by Erickson describing what happened from bailing out to their evasion of the Germans. I hope you enjoy the tag and history. On a side note, Erickson was given a flight officers service number, which is noted on some of the online information. My tag has a standard officers service number, would the flight officers number been issued after the standard officers service number?

http://www.384thbombgroup.com/pages/erickson.html

http://www.ansa39-45.fr/independencedayenglish.htm

[twining540]

[twining540]

This is the official report and first hand account by Erickson

http://384thbombgroup.com/_content/EandE_Reports/EE-65.pdf

 

[twining540]

I'm guessing this is his tag when he was commissioned as an officer and later received a new tag when commissioned as a flight officer, hence the new service number.

[BEAST]

I'm guessing this is his tag when he was commissioned as an officer and later received a new tag when commissioned as a flight officer, hence the new service number.

Close but in reverse. He would have been a flight officer first and then received his commission as an officer. Think of a flight officer as a warrant officer.

[twining540]

That clears up a few unanswered questions I've had. Thanks for the information, much appreciated!

[twining540]

Thought I would bring this back to the top given todays date. Happy 4th!