Monument Details

B-17 'The Joker' Crash Site Memorial

Details:

The monument is located between a wooden touristic sign that explains the events that transpired during "The Joker's" crash and a bush. It is flanked by three flagpoles and a small cluster of trees. Monument The monument consists of a collection of stones that form a pyramid and is topped by a propellor just like one of the four that would have been on the B-17 that crashed at the site on April 13, 1944 while on a mission to Schweinfurt, Germany. The base of the monument is features a stone with an inscription as well as an Army Air Corps star insignia. Located next to the monument is an explanatory panel detailing the events leading up to "The Joker's" crash.

While returning from its mission over Schweinfurt, the B-17 "Flying Fortress" known as "The Joker" came under attack from German fighter planes. Without escorts, "The Joker" was hit and began to lose altitude, eventually crashing in the site where the memorial now lies. Although local citizens rushed to the scene to check for survivors, they found none and only saw three parachutes in the distances and the remains of one airman in the wreckage. This monument was dedicated in 1984.

Monument Text:

"À Nos Alliés 40-45

20 Mai 84"

English Translation:

"To Our Allies 40-45

May 20, 1984"

Commemorates:

Units:

384th Bomb Group (Heavy)

545th Bomber Squadron, 384th Bomb Group, Heavy

8th Air Force

United States Air Force

Wars:

WWII

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