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B-17F 42-29952 KY-J with Capt. Ernest A. "Bill" Sikes at the controls over Europe in 1943. Sikes made 23 missions from Chelveston with this aircraft. He named it "Sizzle" after the sounds of his mother's steaks frying at the Hotel Olds in Lansing, MI. His closest call involved a friendly fire incident. During the return of a mission to Germany, Sikes' instrument panel was shot out. No injuries occurred, but all instruments were lost, including fuel levels. Sikes had no indication of remaining fuel. On final approach to Chelveston, each engine quit in sequence due to fuel starvation. Sikes landed dead stick and rolled up to Operations. During repairs, .50 caliber rounds were found imbedded in the panel. |
