One of the eleven bombers of the 15th Air Force USAAF lost over Poland on “Black Wednesday” (September 13, 1944) was a Boeing B-17G #44-8166, named “Flak Happy Baby,” from the 340th Bomb Squadron, 97th Bomb Group, 5th Bomb Wing, 15th Air Force USAAF, commanded by Lieutenant Knoblock. The aircraft was heavily damaged over Blachownia. The crew — 11 persons — tried to fly east, beyond the front line. Unfortunately, the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude, and south of Kraków the decision was made to evacuate. The airmen bailed out in the Nieznanowice – Gdów area, after which the empty “Flying Fortress” fell onto the fields of Wólka Zręczycka.
Among those who took part in the fateful flight were: Sgt. Olis E. Henley — tail gunner, Sgt. Roy J. McFadden — ball turret gunner, Sgt. Walter G. Brand — flight engineer, Sgt. William N. Hess — waist gunner, Lt. Bruce D. Knoblock — pilot and aircraft commander.
Only Sergeant Morgan C. Davis avoided capture, while a second airman escaped from detention and, until being recaptured in December 1944, remained with Home Army units.
