B-17E "The Last Straw" Serial Number 41-2432
On December 6, 1941 took off piloted by 1st Lt. Robert E. Thacker as part of an unarmed ferry flight that departed Hamilton Field bound for Hickam Field. On the morning of December 7, 1941, the formation arrived during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. While landing at Hickam Field, this B-17 was accidentally fired on by American anti-aircraft gunners and blew a tire during the landing.
During December 1941, this B-17 flew search missions off Hawaii. Afterwards, ferried overseas to Australia.
On March 12, 1942 took off on a bombing mission against Salamaua and claims a Zero shot down.
On July 24, piloted by Lt. Hughey with co-pilot 1st Lt. Gilbert Erb departed Longreach Airfield to Mareeba Airfield.
On September 28, 1942, piloted by 1st Lt Gilbert E. Erb on a flight from Mareeba Airfield to Archerfield Airfield.
Later, assigned to 43rd Bombardment Group, 65th Bombardment Squadron. Nicknamed "The Last Straw". Modified to mount twin 50 caliber machine guns from the tail of another B-17 in the nose for added forward firepower.
During January 1945, this B-17 was scrapped at Brisbane.
