Late 1943 the Douglas Long Beach plant produced it’s 1000th B-17 bomber model G. The workers of the Douglas plant all payed for this special plane by bying war bonds. A book was made with photos, newspaper clippings about the plane and all the Douglas plant workers signed the book.

The plane and the book were given to the 457th bomb group and Luitenant Colonel J.R. Luper was proud to receive both wonderfull gifts. In January 1944 the plane, B-17G-30-DL 42-38113, was flown to it’s new home in England, Station 130 Glatton.

The crew that brought the plane to Glatton was:
Lt. Col J.R. Luper
Capt. R.E. Ensminger
Capt. R.D. Newcomb
Capt. J.C. Mattison
Maj. G.H. Haggard
Capt. H.E. Lawrence
1st Lt. M.J. Hotaling
1st Lt. G.D. Galligan
M/Sgt. J.J. Tornoten
T/Sgt. J.P. Sliney

Route from the US to the UK
January 18th 1944 from Grand Island to Prisque Isle
January 19th 1944 from Prisque Isle to Gander and from Gander to Prestwick (Scotland)
January 19th 1944 from Prestwick (Scotland) arriving at Glatton at 16:35

In England the plane was given the name ‘Rene III’ after Lt. Col. Lupers wife. The plane flew many missions during the war but wouldn’t survive the war. Misison No.214, on March 21st 1945 she was lost over Hopsten when she was fatally hit by FLAK and crashed. Luckily almost everybody survived the crash.

The book presented to Lt. Col. Luper eventually was given back to the 457th Bomb Group and was given to Duane Zemper. We thank Eric Zemper for letting us use the beautiful photos of the book!