can anybody please help, looking for any information on a B-17 called “GOVERNMENT ISSUE ” or ” SANDY’S REFUELING BOY’S ” like to find a photo of the crew. the pilot was a 1Lt Harold C Coffman 0-765226 . K.I.A. 16th dec 1944 … 95th bomb group 412 bomb sqn . i have a wristwatch which belonged to a crew member, which i would like to put in a museum along with a photo and any info KEEP THEM FLYING ian
By: dhfan - 9th September 2022 at 15:35
As the post you’re replying to was his first and only post, sadly I very much suspect you’re going to be out of luck in waiting for a response.
By: rlanni - 7th September 2022 at 21:09
Hello Ian (Government B17),
I just found your post from 16 years ago, and I am hoping that you are well and still a member on this forum. The wristwatch you have for Harold Coffman really caught my attention. He was the pilot of B-17G 42-97232 when it disappeared on December 16, 1944 when returning from a raid on Stuttgart. My cousin, TSgt Dominick Lanni, was the radio operator/gunner on that mission, and disappeared along with the rest of the crew that day. In May of 1945, the body of the co-pilot Lt Len Beadle was found washed ashore at mile marker 14 in Zoutelande Holland (on the Zeeland peninsula). This was also the last known location of 42-97232 when it broke off from the formation and headed north. We speculate that the plane went down shortly after that. I am continuing the search for that aircraft, and have been working with the United States DOD DPAA (repatriation branch) to find that aircraft. My goal is to find the final resting place of my cousin and his crew mates. I have attached a picture of my Cousin Dominick for you and the forum, so he could be remembered. Also, pictures of Harold Coffman’s watch, which are most likely your own photos(?). Which brings me to my question: Where did you obtain Harold Coffman’s watch? Is there any history you could share as to how it was found? Please let me know. Thank you.
Best Regards,
Robert Lanni
PS. Interesting note – by December 16th 1944, the aircraft name “Government Issue” had been changed to “Sandy’s Refueling Boys”.
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July 29, 2006 at 4:44 pm