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Bob Wilson
6/27/2006 11:44:05 AM | My father,Lt. Samuel P. Wilson, pilot of 42-39820 flew to St Louis prior to going to England. I understand they spent several days in St. Louis while the B17 was refitted with guns and radios. I am trying to find out more information on this refit. Who did the work? What upgrades were made and why were they required. If anyone can help, I would appreciate it.
Thank you
Bob Wilson
Son of Lt Sam Wilson
614 th BSqd
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Fred Corley
6/27/2006 9:30:53 PM | Bob, I barely remember hearing my uncle, Jesse Corley, say something about being in St Louis for a few days but I have never heard why. This must have been the reason. Please send me your e-mail address again. Somehow I have lost it.
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Donald Byers
6/27/2006 11:42:44 PM | I believe they were refiting of the guns was adding the Ball Turret. As they were not tooled for this job at the assembly plants.
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Donald Byers
6/28/2006 8:51:29 AM | I was hoping last night that I could use to support what I said but I haven't found one yet. But I do know they did refit the B-17's from B-17F to B-17G's so it has to be out their somewhere. I will look in some of my books also.
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Donald Byersd
6/28/2006 9:13:44 AM | I ment front Turrett
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Bob Wilson
6/28/2006 11:04:01 AM | Thanks for the response. You can reach me by email or phone(800-984-4609 Ext 202). Love to hear from you. What is the best way to contact you? Do you have any additional stories on the crew. I found the paper on Jesse's experiences very interesting. They overlapped some of the stories my dad told me. Look forward to hearing from you.
Bob Wilson
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Melba L. Hixon
7/20/2006 2:02:37 AM | I met Lt John Daly, Bombardier, 42-39820 to best of my knowledge and memory about the 18th of October of 1943 and saw him several times during the next few weeks until the 1st of Nov. 1943. He was at Scott Field near Belleville, Il. St. Louis was the nearest large city. So, I think you are concentrating on St. Louis when actually should be Scott Field. I don't remember there being any other Army Airfields in the area and St. Louis was my home town at the time. Hope this will help in you research. Good Luck.
Melba Schmidt Hixon
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John Daly
7/23/2006 8:54:30 PM | Melba Thanks for the advice. managed to find it as well as Corleys & Bob Wisons. He is putting a book together on the crew & 401st. Should be ready soon but is always interested in additional info if possible. John
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