Standing (L to R): John Douglas (N); L. D. Sies (P); Tom Nasser (B);Frederick York (CP). Seated (L to R): William Smith (RO); Clyde Butler (BG); Elmer Ellefson (AE); Christensen (TG); Marion Nelms (LWG); Howard Finch (TTG)
Sies Crew with 885th Sq. Back Row (L to R): Tom Nasser (B); William Smith (RO); Howard Finch (FE); Fred York (CP); John Douglas (N); L. D. Sies (P). Kneeling are: Marion Nelms (LWG); Elmer Ellefson (RWG); Robert Funderberg (TG)
- SIES, Lawrence D., Pilot
- YORK, Frederick T., Co-Pilot
- DOUGLAS, John S., Navigator
- NASSER, Thomas, Bombardier
- FINCH, Howard L., Ft/Engineer, Top Gunner
- SMITH, William G., Radio/Op
- CHRISTENSEN, Dale C., Tail Gunner
- ELLEFSON, Marlen Elmer, Assist Eng
- FUNDERBERG, Robert, Ball and Tail Gunner
- NELMS, Marion L., Lt Waist Gunner
- BUTLER, Clyde C. Pvt, Ball Gunner (Stayed at Bruning Replace by Funderberg)
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.
Peerless Clipper
A B-24H model purchased by the employees of the Peerless Woolen Mills, Chattanooga, TN. The “Clipper” was an original cadre ship acquired 21 October ’43 and assigned to Sies’ crew who flew her overseas in December ’43 arriving at Grottaglie on 2 January ’44. The “Clipper” was lost on 2 April ’44 with Kury’s crew aboard when three aircraft collided over Steyr, Austria. 11 KIA. MACR 4024.
MACR 4024
41-29216
A B-24H model purchased by the employees of the Peerless Woolen Mills, Chattanooga, TN. The “Clipper” was an original cadre ship acquired 21 October ’43 and assigned to Sies’ crew who flew her overseas in December ’43 arriving at Grottaglie on 2 January ’44. The “Clipper” was lost on 2 April ’44 with Kury’s crew aboard when three aircraft collided over Steyr, Austria. 11 KIA. MACR 4024.
Pictures of Peerless Clipper
