SSgt. John W.Lafferty Jr. - Luft Stalag III 447th Bomb Group / 708th Bomber Squadron

[richard412]

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

[Garandomatic]

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.

[richard412]

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!!

[aznation]

According to the Missing Air Crew Report, the Bombadier (Chapman), Waist Gunner (Lafferty), and Engineer (Flynn) were all "blown out".

[aznation]

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

 

 

 

[aznation]

Source: American Air Museum in Britain

 

447th Bomb Group

708th Bomb Squadron

 

43-38725 “Cookie”

B-17 FLYING FORTRESS

 

 

 

[aznation]

Hopefully bigger picture of crew.

[aznation]

Dollar bill reveals World War II drama

https://www.sj-r.com/x1809310418/Dave-Bakke-1-bill-reveals-WWII-drama

[aznation]

The crew picture was taken at Drew Field, FL, Sep 44.

[richard412]

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