Back row (L to R): Sgt. John Aulner, Jr. (F/E-RWG); Sgt. John Stout (LWG-AR/O); Sgt. Glen Norton (BG); Sgt. James Sherman (R/O-NG); Sgt. Clement Scarborough (TTG); Cpl. Fred Kirby (TG). Front row (L to R): Lt. John Getz (CP); Lt. Robert Waller (B); Lt. Ira Clair (N); Lt. Lester Ludtke (P).
- LUDTKE, Lester L., Pilot – KIA 22 Nov 44 Ludtke
- GETZ, John, Co-Pilot
- CLARE, Ira D., Navigator – POW 22 Nov 44 Ludtke
- WALLER, Robert E., Bombardier
- AULNER, JR, John E., Gunner, Flight/Eng – POW 22 Nov 44 Ludtke
- STOUT, J D., Nose Gunner , Radio/OP
- SHERMAN, James H, Nose Gunner – EVD 22 Nov 44 Ludtke
- SCARBOROUGH, Clement B, UT – KIA 22 Nov 44 Ludtke
- KIRBY, JR, Fred S., Tail – POW 22 Nov 44 Ludtke
- NORTON, Glen L, Ball Gunner
- LOWE, James R., Co-Pilot – POW 22 Nov 44 Ludtke
- ROUSH, David M, Bombardier – POW 22 Nov 44 Ludtke
717th Squadron
Edward J. Sass, Jr. was the original C.O. from June ‘43 to December ’44. Shelby McArthur became C.O. in December ‘44 and remained so until February ‘45. From February ‘45 to May ’45, Wilbur Parker was the C.O.
Classy Chassy
An original 449th ship acquired 9 November ’43 and flown overseas by Geminder’s crew in December ’43. Believed to be the first ship to complete 50 missions without an early return. Her final demise was her 87th mission. She was downed with Ludtke’s crew aboard on 22 November ’44 over the Ferrara Rail Road Bridge in Northern Italy. 2 KIA, 7 POW, and 1 evaded. MACR 10044.
MACR 10044
