Update Feb 2025: This photo may not be of 42-5909. Still looking for more information on that.
B-17F-35-VE 42-5909
709th SQ
Previously mis-identified in several books as 42-31431 with the Chardi crew on board, this is clearly a B-17, modified to carry the H2S radar system (white dome visible under the nose).
Permanently assigned to the 482nd Bomb Group, providing pathfinders and radar crews to all groups in the 3rd Division in early 1944, flying with the 447th on Mission 14 (Feb. 4, 1944) to Frankfurt when hit by flak.
Flight listings for 42-5909
These lists are NOT limited to officially credited Combat missions, and may include Aborts, returns and non-takeoff occurrences as well.
| 447th Mission (Date) | Target | Pilot | Notes |
| #14 (04-Feb-44) | Frankfurt, Germany | Sheppard, L. W. | PFF-909; Actually co-Pilot with completely unidentified crew |
447th BG personnel listed as being aboard 42-5909 for Mission 14 on Feb 4, 1944.
Additional Notes: Assgn 482BG 06/43 (H2-X); FTR Frankfurt, flak, cr Koln w/ Sheppard, 11KIA 1 POW; total crew of 12, 9 from 482nd, 3 from 447th. Two MACRs issued, 2511 and 3361. MACR 2511 initially incorrectly identified aircraft as 42-3909.
Some photos/information provided by: