richard412 Posted February 1, 2019 Share #1 Posted February 1, 2019 I am researching the World War II background of my father in law John "Jack" Flynn. He was a flight engineer/top turret gunner on a B-17 that was shot down on November 30, 1944. He survived along with the bombardier Curtis Chapman and waist gunner John W. Lafferty Jr. All three were captured by the Germans. I was able to contact the family of Lt. Curtis Chapman. However, I have been unable to locate the family of SSgt John Lafferty Jr.. He was held in Luft Stalag III and liberated in May, 1945. I want to find out how he managed to escape the plane which suffered the loss of the tail section and right wing. My father in law was thrown out the open bomb bay and Lt. Chapman blown out of the nose. SSgt. Lafferty lived in Port Elizabeth, New Jersey. He passed away on March 25, 1995 in Tampa, Florida. Survived by children: Patrica, John Edward and Jack W Lafferty. sisters: Bernice Strickland and Mildren Price So, far I have had no luck locating his family. Any help would be appreciated!Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garandomatic Posted February 1, 2019 Share #2 Posted February 1, 2019 Good luck in your quest. I'l flip through a unit history i have if I get a chance today and see if there is anything in it for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard412 Posted February 2, 2019 Author Share #3 Posted February 2, 2019 Good luck in your quest. I'l flip through a unit history i have if I get a chance today and see if there is anything in it for you. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aznation Posted February 3, 2019 Share #4 Posted February 3, 2019 According to the Missing Air Crew Report, the Bombadier (Chapman), Waist Gunner (Lafferty), and Engineer (Flynn) were all "blown out". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aznation Posted February 3, 2019 Share #5 Posted February 3, 2019 Source: American Air Museum in Britain Crew of B-17 Piloted by Lt. Raymond Buthe STANDING: LEFT TO RIGHT John M. Flynn – Engineer Anthony R. Demarco – Radio Operator Charles R. Agnatovich – Ball Turret Gunner Douglas Aldrich - Waist Gunner John W. Lafferty Jr. – Waist Gunner Ralph B. Corning - Tail Gunner KNEELING Charles O. Norris – Co-Pilot Raymond H. Buthe – Pilot Marvin L. Brawer – Navigator Curtis G. Chapman – Bombardier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aznation Posted February 3, 2019 Share #6 Posted February 3, 2019 Source: American Air Museum in Britain 447th Bomb Group 708th Bomb Squadron 43-38725 “Cookie” B-17 FLYING FORTRESS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aznation Posted February 3, 2019 Share #7 Posted February 3, 2019 Hopefully bigger picture of crew. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aznation Posted February 3, 2019 Share #8 Posted February 3, 2019 Dollar bill reveals World War II drama https://www.sj-r.com/x1809310418/Dave-Bakke-1-bill-reveals-WWII-drama Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aznation Posted February 3, 2019 Share #9 Posted February 3, 2019 The crew picture was taken at Drew Field, FL, Sep 44. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard412 Posted February 3, 2019 Author Share #10 Posted February 3, 2019 Source: American Air Museum in Britain 447th Bomb Group 708th Bomb Squadron 43-38725 “Cookie” B-17 FLYING FORTRESS Hi Matt, Believe it or not, My wife whose helping me added that photo. I was able to go that site after speaking with Lt. Chapman's daughter. She posted the most of the other pictures. Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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