January 11th, 1944

Posted:
By: Michael McCloskey
On: 01/18/2003

Hey. I am a model builder and I have been very fond of creating scenes. I have already completed a model of Howard's plane and an Me110 of the ZG76 squadron that flew that day. For Christmas a few years back, I received a print of the action depicting the day Col. Howard downed 4 German aircraft. In the print, Howard's P-51B is in the foreground. In the back, you can see an Me110 that he has just downed. Also in the back are numerous B-17Fs. The closest B-17 is of this particular Bomb Group. The name reads "Our Jeannine". I saw the responses to the other note about this plane and how there was no evidence of a plane of this name. I was just wondering of other plane names that flew on that mission on January 11th, 1944. Thanks!

Re: January 11th, 1944

Posted:
By: Jack Reid
On: 01/20/2003

Check the mission summaries for mission 14 - several aircraft names are identified (in addition to the a/c listed as MIA)

Re: January 11th, 1944

Posted:
By: Scott McElvain
On: 01/20/2003

There have been a couple prints done on Col Howard and this mission. There was was one done in an unlimited edition that was poorly researched. It has the B-17 "Our Jeannine" and has the wrong markings for Howard's plane. Also, I do not believe the 401st had B-17Fs. Another by Matthew Waki is larger and was very well researched. I have copies of both. I had the good fortune to meet Col. Howard before the Norfold reunion and had him sign copies I of the "Our Jeannine" prints I had several). Gave them to crew members at the reunion that had flown that mission. You might check the mission reports off the home page for planes shot down. Whatever info you'd like, let me know.

Re: January 11th, 1944

Posted:
By: Michael McCloskey
On: 01/24/2003

I really appreciate the response Mr. McElvain. I had looked up numerous things on the 401st and had found nothing on them ever possessing B17Fs. I am curious though. How are the markings wrong for Howard's plane? Was Howard escorting the 401 but with B17Gs or was he escorting another group? Im still wondering why someone would do a print without fully researching it. It baffles me that that print wasn't historically correct. Not that everything should be perfect but if I was going to do a print, I would want to have it as accurate as possible. Anyway, I'll get back to you if I have anymore ?s. Thanks.