The "Rigor Mortis" a B-17 from the 12th Air Force Group, 301st Bombardment Group, 32nd Bomb Squadron (H) Heavy, formed and stationed in North Africa in World War II. Tail Number: 42-5233

Crew (pictured): Front row, L to R, Don Brazee, Pilot; Randrup, Co-Pilot; Burt Lewis, Navigator; Emory Cook, Bombardier.
Back row, L to R, Sgt. Farrell, Engineer; Willoughby, Radio Operator; Lovelace, Ball Turret; Wall, Waist Gunner; Kelly, Tail Gunner.
(Photo and information courtesy of Colonel Donald Brazee, Ret. Don and this crew were assigned to the 32nd after arriving from the United States 31 December 42.)

The above photo is of the original crew that ferried over to North Africa, Via South America and Southern Africa and Arrived in North Africa, December 31, 1942, after the conclusion of Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa. The 12h Air Force was created using the 97th and 301st Bomb Groups from the 8th Air Force Stationed in England. Elements of these groups went to N.Africa and were joined and reinforced by new crews and squadrons arriving from the States. The Rigor Mortis crew flew their first mission on January 2, 1943, 2 days after arriving into the combat zone.

The photo below is of the crew either before or after a mission on: 1/14/43, 1/23/43, 1/29/43.

Front Row: L. to R.
1.
2. Burt Lewis, Navigator
3.
4.

Back Row L. to R.
1.
2.
3. Lovelace, Ball Turret
4. Lloyd E. Willoughby, Radio Operator
5. James J. Farrell, Aerial Engineer

"Rigor Mortis" Summary of Assignments:

Calling All Other Crews of the Rigor Mortis ..... If you ever flew on the Rigor Mortis, or were a ground crew member or have a relation to somebody who did, please let us hear from you! Here

301st Bombardment Group (Heavy), Distinctive Insignia