Shot Down WWII ‘Devils From Hell’ B-17 Bomber Discovered Off Sicily, Crew Remains Unfound

The B-17 Flying Fortress was a critical asset for the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Known for its durability and long-range bombing capabilities, this bomber was designed to target key infrastructure deep within enemy territory. Crews trusted it for its reputation of returning home despite severe damage. Many B-17s came back with scars from combat, a testament to the plane’s resilience. Today, only six B-17s remain in flying condition, with several others lost during the war. Some wrecks are still undiscovered, entombed where they fell with their crews aboard.

One such B-17, nicknamed “Devils From Hell,” was recently found off the coast of Sicily, stirring memories of its final mission and the nine men who were on board. This article explores the story of the B-17, its role during the war, and the remarkable discovery of its wreckage, though the crew members’ remains remain lost.

The B-17’s Role and Capabilities

The B-17 Flying Fortress was designed for long-range, precision bombing. It was equipped with advanced defensive capabilities, including turrets mounted in the nose, belly, and tail, which provided some protection against fast and nimble enemy fighters. These turrets allowed B-17s to fly in tight defensive formations, making it harder for enemy planes to penetrate. However, each mission carried immense risk, especially as German fighter pilots became more experienced and aggressive.

The “Devils From Hell” was among the thousands of B-17s that participated in major bombing campaigns across Europe. These aircraft were tasked with disrupting transport networks, targeting supply depots, and destroying industrial sites critical to the German war effort. The B-17’s bombing raids played a major role in weakening German infrastructure, and they inflicted substantial damage on occupied areas. The cost, however, was high, with numerous crews lost during raids over heavily defended territories.

The Final Mission of “Devils From Hell”

The B-17 known as “Devils From Hell” belonged to the 353rd Bombardment Squadron. Its final mission took place on April 18, 1943, during a bombing raid over Palermo, Italy. The crew consisted of nine men, including First Lieutenant Bob Godwin, the pilot; First Lieutenant Virgil Hope, the bombardier; and First Lieutenant John Hall, the co-pilot. Others, like Sergeants William Hawking and Arthur Niles, manned the plane’s gun turrets. Together, they faced the intense dangers of the mission with the hope of returning home.

As “Devils From Hell” approached its target, it was attacked by German Messerschmitt BF 110 fighters. The attack was intense, and the B-17 was hit multiple times, particularly in the number two engine. The damage forced the bomber to leave its formation, making it even more vulnerable to further attacks. Despite the crew’s best efforts, the B-17 could no longer sustain flight and began a descent towards the sea.

Eyewitness reports indicated that no parachutes were seen as the plane went down, suggesting that the crew had little chance to escape. The B-17 crashed into the sea, and the crew members were declared missing in action, believed to have perished in the forced landing.

The Discovery of the Wreckage

In 2015, a group of divers known as Shadows of the Deep located the wreckage of a B-17 bomber off the coast of Sicily. After months of research and numerous dives, they were able to confirm that the plane was indeed the “Devils From Hell.” The aircraft lay deep underwater, encrusted with marine life and damaged from its high-speed impact with the ocean.

The discovery of the wreck provided a rare glimpse into the final moments of the bomber’s life. The cockpit was completely crushed, a stark reminder of the force of its descent. Parts of the fuselage were twisted and broken, while the gun turrets, including the ball turret and tail gun, remained somewhat intact. Remarkably, some of the machine guns were still in place, as were other pieces of equipment, preserved by the cold and still waters of the ocean floor.

The identification process was a painstaking one. Divers managed to photograph serial numbers on the engines and match them with records from the war. The confirmation that this wreck was indeed the “Devils From Hell” brought closure to some aspects of the mystery, yet left lingering questions about the crew’s final moments.

Remembering the Crew

The remains of the nine crew members have never been found, likely lost to the sea and the passage of time. The official report from the War Department recorded that Lieutenant Godwin’s plane was attacked and brought down approximately 20 miles from its target. The report noted that no parachutes were seen, indicating that the crew members did not escape the plane before impact. The mission had been to bomb key infrastructure around Palermo, targeting railway stations, supply depots, and other logistical centers to disrupt the German war effort. While the mission was completed, the “Devils From Hell” did not return, and its crew was listed as killed in action.

For decades, the whereabouts of the crew remained unknown, with the ocean claiming any physical evidence of their presence. The wreck site is now regarded as a war grave, a solemn reminder of the crew’s sacrifice. Efforts to lift the wreck have been deemed inappropriate, as it remains a resting place for the men who gave their lives during the war. Today, the “Devils From Hell” rests in the waters off Sicily, a silent monument to those who served in the Allied forces.