41-31810 Klassie Lassie

An airman of the 456th Bomb Squadron, 323rd Bomb Group on the nose of a B-26 Marauder (WT-G, serial number 41-31994) nicknamed "Klassie Lassie". Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Could be WT-G 131944? 456/323BG. AFM.' media-413325.jpg FRE 4646 A member of the ground crew of the 456th Bomb Squadron, 323rd Bomb Group,on the nose of B-26 Marauder (WT-U, serial number 41-31810) nicknamed "Klassie Lassie". Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Could be WT-G 131944? 456/323BG. AFM.' This photograph likely was taken at Earls Colne Airfield.

On June 29, 1944, the 323rd attacked the Diguelleville Gun Battery. Due to weather, the bomb run was forced down to 3,000 feet. "Klassie Lassie" was on her 100th mission. She took a flak hit dead on and exploded. No chutes were seen. The pilot, 1st Lt. Oscard J. Boothe was on his 81st combat mission - 16 beyond the supposed 65 mission tour of duty. Among the MIA were Staff Sergeant Adolf C. Hothausen. The other crew members have not been confirmed. There is a memorial at the crash site in Frnace.

(Note: Aircraft 41-31944 is WT-G "Kactus Kid".)

Roger Freeman Collection

JMF

Object Number - FRE 4646 - A member of the ground crew of the 456th Bomb Squadron, 323rd Bomb Group,on the nose of B-26 Marauder (WT-U, serial number 41-31810) nicknamed...

Connections

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Units served with

Private First Class Barbara O'Brien of the Womens Army Corps, paints the nose of a B-26 Marauder (YU-Y. serial number 41-34982) nicknamed "Jolly Roger" of the 323rd Bomb Group. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for Publcation 4 Dec 1943.' [stamp] and '295589.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'W.A.C.S. on duty at a Bomber Station. Associated Press Photo shows:- Pfc: Barbara O'Brien painting the Jolly Roger on the nose of a Marauder with the crew looking on.'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 456th Bomb Squadron
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 456th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 456th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant (3rd Grade)
  • Role/Job: Crew Chief/Flight Engineer

Revisions

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Changed the 8th AF connection to 9th AF.

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Added a unit connection to the 8th AF.

Date
ContributorJMF
Changes
Sources

JMF

41-31810: Gallery (1 items)