42-40991 Kate Smith

Shot down on 1st Aug 43 Ploesti oil refinery raid, A/C took a direct hit on the cockpit while at the target area at an estimated 250 ft. The aircraft caught fire in the bomb bay and exploded in mid air. Miraculously copilot Lt. Foster was blown clear of the disintegrating aircraft and was able to open his chute. 9 KIA 1 POW. MACR 226.

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

Units served with

Three airmen of the 389th Bomb Group stand with a B-24 Liberator used as a Flight Assembly Ship. Image via Tim Bivens. Handwritten caption from Bivens: 'My friend remembers it being named "Bucksheesh Benny" that it was used to fly Jack Benny around USA shows. Says it flew in North Africa with Benny and was eventually assigned to 389th as a hack and later as a form-up ship. He thinks it was originally with another group (possibly 376th or 98th).' Handwritten caption on reverse: '389th BG Form-up ship.'

98th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Ninth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

Joseph T Cupina

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: Ninth Air Force
  • Service Numbers: 32470251
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Gunner

James A Deeds

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 98th Bomb Group 344th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-730399
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Clifton C Foster

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: Ninth Air Force
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co Pilot

James M Howie

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: Ninth Air Force
  • Service Numbers: 36072865
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator

Frank H Leising

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: Ninth Air Force
  • Service Numbers: 39175079
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Flight Engineer

Missions

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed To Return FTR

Ploiești, Romania 1 August 1943 Shot down on 1st Aug 43 Ploesti oil refinery raid, A/C took a direct hit on the cockpit while at the target area at an estimated 250 ft. The aircraft caught fire in the bomb bay and exploded in mid air. Miraculously co pilot Lt Foster was blown clear of the disintegrating aircraft and was able to open his chute. 9 KIA 1 POW. MACR 226.

Other

Assigned

Libya 345 BS, 98 BG, 9 AF.

Revisions

Date
ContributorAl_Skiff
Changes
Sources

http://www.findagrave.com / http://www.aviationarchaeology.com / MACR 226

Date
ContributorKickapoo
Changes
Sources

Best Web - B-24 - 42-40991 - Kate Smith

Date
Contributorphil marchese
Changes
Sources

B-24 Liberator PMD
The image is a Block 160/170 D-CO, and not 991.

Date
ContributorAl_Skiff
Changes
Sources

http://www.findagrave.com / http://www.aviationarchaeology.com / MACR 226