Another B-17 Tale of the South Pacific

[Steve Birdsall]

Charlie, thanks for your comments, they are truly appreciated. I don't have a lot of information on the 394th, but I do have a few mission reports for the first half of July 1943. These show you flying 41-2440 on three missions - July 6, 8 and 11.

From this it seems to me that you were Calamity Jane's last regular pilot. Did you fly her to the Air Depot at Tontouta when the last of the B-17s were retired?

[Charlie]

Steve, I flew Calamity Jane back to Hickam in Hawii. From there in a B-24 in a stack of baggage back to San Francisco. The next time I saw Calamity Jane I was a ferry pilot. When I landed in Idianapolis Indiana I saw her parked. I ran over to have a homesick look. She had been recoditioned and was as a General's private plane. I don't know what happened to her after that. I would be happy to visit with you if I had your phone number.

[Dan Johnson]

Wow! Thanks Mr. Stewart for stopping in and sharing part of the story!

[TAdan]

Wow, small world! Thanks for your comments Charlie. It is one thing to see some pictures and dates, but a whole different story to have the pilot chime in.