This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/18/2024
[WWII]. [MILITARY AVIATION]. Press Photograph of the “Hell’s Angels” Flight Crew in Front of Their B-17 Flying Fortress. [New Jersey: International News, March 3, 1944]. Black-and-white photo of seven crew members in uniform posing in front of their famous aircraft. With printed caption affixed to verso. Approximately 216 x 166 mm. Minor rubbing to photo. From the caption on verso: “Hell’s Angels comes home autographed. CALDWELL WRIGHT AIRPORT, N. J…. When orders were received for ‘Hell’s Angels’ to return to the United States, members of the 8th Army Air Force literally covered the plane with signatures and short messages to Air Corps and factory-working friends in this country. Part of the crew of the fortress which has participated in 48 missions covering raids all over Europe is shown here in front of their plane. Left to right, front: Sgt. Fabian S. Folmer, Captain Irl Baldwin, Captain John R. Johnston and Sgt. Kosmer Wegrzyn. Left to right, back: Sgt. John R. Kosilla, Sgt. Edward A. West, Jr., and Sgt. Wilson F. Fairfield under the nose of the ship.” This aircraft was the first heavy bomber in the 8th Air Force to complete 25 combat missions in the European theater. This aircraft would go on to complete 48 missions without any injuries to crewmembers or being forced to turn back.