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"Knockout Dropper" 50th Mission

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Photo taken on 16 November 1943 following the 303rd BG(H) mission #82 to Knaben, Norway. This was the 50th combat mission of Knockout Dropper which was, on this occasion, the first 8thAF B-17 to fly 50 combat missions. The Pilot was 1stLt John P. Manning and CoPilot and Aircraft Commander was Captain George T. Mackin.

(Crewmen L-R) Sgt Leroy L. Mace - Ball Turret Gunner, Pekin Illinois
S/Sgt Robert I. McKenna - Waist Gunner, Cambridge Mass.
T/Sgt George Keesling - Engineer, Plevna Kansas
Capt George Mackin - co-pilot, Portland Oregon
S/Sgt Albert Santella - Tail Gunner, Fredrickstown PA
Lt John P. Manning - Pilot, Minneapolis Minnesota
T/Sgt Kenneth Fitzsimmons - Radio Operator, Big Falls Minnesota
Lt Matt Schreidell - Bombardier, Detroit Michigan
Sgt C. R. Horton - Penn Yan, N.Y
T/Sgt E.A. Howell - Photographer
Behind Keesling, Lt. Jack Antman - Navigator, New York

[photo courtesy of Steven L. Mace]