42-95240 The Old Veteran

On supply mission to aid the 17th US Airborne during Operation Varsity (American and British forces crossing the Rhine). The plane, flying at 300 ft, was hit by ground fire shortly after dropping the supplies. After being hit the B-24 nosed straight down into the ground and exploded. All nine crew members were killed instantly.

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 389th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 389th Bomb Group 564th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 18159921 at enlistment, then O-2005728
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 389th Bomb Group 564th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 19181308
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Nose Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 389th Bomb Group 564th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 18025633 at enlistment, then O-2000262
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 389th Bomb Group 564th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 36560983
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Flight Engineer / Top Turret Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 389th Bomb Group 564th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 42091683
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner

Places

Missions

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

Germany 24 March 1945 Crashed and exploded near Wesel

Revisions

Date
ContributorED-BB
Changes
Sources

MACR 13543

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

MACR 13543 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database