B-17 called "Omar the Dentmaker"

Posted:
By: Helen E. Haffner
On: 06/12/2001

Am looking for any information on the B-17 called Omar the Dentmaker #42-37833 401st Bombgroup and members of the crew. My husband, James D. Haffner, now deceased was the bombardier on this airplane. Was prisoner of war in Stalag I near Barth on the Baltic.

Re: B-17 called "Omar the Dentmaker"

Posted:
By: Donald Byers
On: 06/14/2001

This plane was in the 615th Bomber Squadron with the following Crew Members:

Capt W.M Ramsey Jr. Pilot KIA 1st Lt. R.D. Kaercher Co-Pilot KIA 1st Lt. M.R. Walsh Navigator KIA 1st Lt. J.D. Haffner Bombardier POW TSgt W.W. Carter Radio Operator KIA TSgt D. B. Roberts Engineer KIA SSgt. I.I. Lieberman Ball Turret KIA SSgt. J. B. Carson Tail Gunner POW SSgt. F. Rothman Waist Gunner KIA SSgt. I.R. Reed Waist Gunner KIA

Omar the Dentmaker serial 42-37833

Delivered Denver 19/9/43; Gt. Falls 25/9/43; Assigned 615th BS [IY-F] Deenethrope 4/11/43; MIA Pas de Calais 26/3/44; w/Cpt Rumsey 8 KIA 2 POW.

No picture according the the B-17 Nose Art Directory.

Don Byers
Lubbock Texas
e-mail dabyers2@home.com

Re: B-17 called "Omar the Dentmaker"

Posted:
By: Tony Marsh
On: 01/05/2002

My father flew on Omar the Dentmaker. He was a waist gunner. He died in 1967, I was only 13 years old at the time. I don't know very much of what my father spoke about of this time. I know that the name of the B-17 was in fact "Omar the Dentmaker". I remember a story of another crew that had to fly the Dentmaker because of mechanical problems with their aircraft, and was lost in battle.
I am trying to find info on my Dad and crew from that time. His name was SSgt. C.W. Marsh.
If you could find out info on the crew I would appreciate it so much.

Re: B-17 called "Omar the Dentmaker"

Posted:
By: Linda Van Gundy
On: 12/31/2001

I too am interested in Omar the Dentmaker. Captain Rumsey is the cousin of my father. My father has for many years spoken about the plane and its fate. I would love to communicate with you. We have some letters in the family from people in the area where the plane went down. Rumsey was buried in France after the war (I Believe, I can get more information from my father if you would be interested!) I would love to here from you. Linda

Re: B-17 called "Omar the Dentmaker"

Posted:
By: ARNOLD LIEBERMAN
On: 01/07/2004

DEAR MRS HAFFNER,
         PLEASE FORGIVE MY ERROR. I MEANT YOUR HUSBAND JAMES.

          FONDLY,
                     ARNOLD

Re: B-17 called "Omar the Dentmaker"

Posted:
By: ARNOLD LIEBERMAN
On: 01/08/2004

DEAR MS Van Gundy,

MY BROTHER IRVING IRA LIEBERMAN WAS A MEMBER OF THE CREW OF OMAR THE DENTMAKER. HE WAS THE BALL TURRET GUNNER. IF YOU CARE TO HEAR FROM MY SISTER CELESTE WHO HAS SOME INFORMATION REGARDING THEIR TIME TOGETHER YOU CAN E-MAIL ME YOUR PHONE NUMBER AND SHE WILL CALL YOU.
HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE NEW YEAR.

ARNOLD

Re: B-17 called "Omar the Dentmaker"

Posted:
By: vic meitner (rothwell)
On: 05/09/2007

I am interested in information on the crew, in particular the other waistgunner, Frank Rothwell. I would be interested in info on leave to the US and photos of the crew and anything else you or your sister may have. My phone number is 215-540-0575 in the office and 215-540-0323 at home. Thanks, Vic Meitner

Re: B-17 called "Omar the Dentmaker"

Posted:
By: Laurent WIART
On: 05/27/2007

Hi,

I live near Bouquemaison (village near Arras, north of France). On 26 march 1944, a B17 "Omar the dentmaker" crashed in this village. 2 airmen were captured by germans the other were killed and buried in the local cemetery.
In 1945, a member of the crew came on the grave (a witnes give me the photo I can send on reply)

Today, I would like information about the crew, the mission, ans a best quality photo of this crew for the local archives.

Hoping your help

Laurent WIART
french local historian
361st fighter group honorary member

Re: B-17 called "Omar the Dentmaker"

Posted:
By: Tory Meitner
On: 07/15/2007

Please send me the photo that you said you have. It would be a big help. We have been looking for a picture of Frank Rothwell for some time now.

Re: B-17 called "Omar the Dentmaker"

Posted:
By: Delannoy
On: 01/04/2010

Je me souviens étant chez une tante à Bouquemaison Somme, d'avoir trouvé au petit matin prés de la ferme, une aile immense d'un bombardier. D'avoir démonté des petites roulettes et bien d'autres petites choses que je ne possède plus.J'avais 13 ans à l'époque.Bonne soirée.Guy Delannoy.