41-31896 Circle Jerk Louisiana Mud Hen
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UPL 25668
"In one of the most unusual action series of the air war, this ill-fated Martin B-26 Marauder of U.S. 9th Air Force was photographed by cameraman of a Combat Camera Unit just before and during the catastrophe which occurred as the armada of medium bombers attacked military targets at Wittlich, Germany. Camera is trained on wing plane for routine picture of Martin B-26 Marauders in flight".
Martin B-26B-30-MA Marauder (s/n 41-31896) named "Louisiana Mud Hen" (aka "Circle Jerk") from the 453rd BS, 323rd BG, 9th AF.
Lost on December 23,1944 when it was shot down by AAA over Germany. All 6 crewmen were KIA. MACR 11659 - Shown just seconds before a direct hit by flak in the left engine sent the plane spinning out of control.
NARA Ref 342-FH-3A20421-55826AC.
Martin B-26B-30-MA Marauder (s/n 41-31896) named "Louisiana Mud Hen" (aka "Circle Jerk") from the 453rd BS, 323rd BG, 9th AF.
Lost on December 23,1944 when it was shot down by AAA over Germany. All 6 crewmen were KIA. MACR 11659 - Shown just seconds before a direct hit by flak in the left engine sent the plane spinning out of control.
NARA Ref 342-FH-3A20421-55826AC.
Assigned to 323BS, 453BG, 9AF USAAF. 121 x missions flown. Failed to Return (FTR) bombing mission to Germany 23-Dec-1944. Took a direct or near direct hit in port engine and started into a uncontrolled spin. Crew did not manage to bale out 6 x KIA. MACR 11659.
Crew: Pilot 1Lt Joseph C Bostick, Co pilot 2Lt James P Hodges, Bomb 1Lt Howard Detel, Tail gunner S/Sgt A C Carrell, Eng/TT S/Sgt Albin W Les, Radio S/Sgt Robert E Hohimer.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 453rd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-700857
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 453rd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 34805620
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Armourer / gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 453rd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-712259
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 453rd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 14175159 / O-823584
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Co-pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 323rd Bomb Group
- Service Numbers: 19175127
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Missions
- Date: 23 December 1944
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Crashed Failed to Return (FTR) |
Germany | 23 December 1944 | Failed to Return (FTR) bombing mission to Germany 23-Dec-1944. Took a direct or near direct hit in port engine and started into a uncontrolled spin. Crew did not manage to bale out 6 x KIA. MACR 11659. |
Manufactured |
Offutt AFB, NE, USA | Built at Martin. | |
Delivered |
Nebraska, USA | Delivered to USAAF. | |
Assigned |
Earls Colne, Colchester CO6, UK | Assigned to 323BS, 453BG, 9AF USAAF. |