Hi All;

I just wanted to post here regarding a chance find that I made the other day. Back in 1992, I started researching the history of B-17G-35-DL 42-107039 "Ice Cold Katy" of the 612th BS. I managed to gather a fairly comprehensive day by day combat diary of "Katy" from her arrival at Deenethorpe in March 1944 until her return to the US after 108 missions.

I corresponded with Lt Richard Guy who flew "Katy" back to the US, and that information more or less closed the story. However, in those 25 years, I often scanned the many photos of the B-17s lined up at Kingman, Arizona in the hope that I would spot "Katy". Of course, I never did spot her amongst the 7000 or so aircraft parked there. After all, what would the chances be?

That was until last Saturday evening. During a bit of online surfing, I found the following image....



fa_721_rowsb17s1940 by Steven Steven, on Flickr



I had probably seen this photograph before in books, but I had not stumbled upon it online. I then discovered I could zoom in and have a closer look....



Ice Cold Katy Kingman by Steven Steven, on Flickr



...And there she was! "Ice Cold Katy" at Kingman. I practically fell off my seat in amazement! So, a 25 year search came to an end and so too, the final chapter of my research.

I just felt the need to share it here!

Best regards;
Steve

Edited by user Friday, December 15, 2017 2:15:05 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Hi Don;

It's funny though how these quests of ours never really finish, but finding that photo of "katy" at Kingman has been a long held wish.

For example, I stumbled across this really interesting blog the other day written by Tom Parks. It's all about John "Richard" McMuarray...co-pilot on Richard McCord's crew with the 612th, and a regular crew of Ice Cold Katy. I corresponded with Richard McCord many years ago, so it was very nice to read this interesting article. I also hadn't been aware that John McMurray's son was the well known actor, Sam McMurray. Anyhow, here's the link to the blog....

https://aboxofoldletters...ment-page-1/#comment-183

It's always satisfying to find another thread in your research!

Best regards;
Steve

P.S. You probably wouldn't remember, but we had a brief chat at a Flying Legends at Duxford several years back. I think you were here with a reunion.