UPL 14900
IMAGESSgt. Michael Chayca, standing in front of his airplane, the B-24 Liberator, 41-24232, Calaban, in the 67th Bomb Squadron, the 44th Bomb Group, and the 8th Air Force. It flew on the Ploesti oil refinery raid, diverting safely to Malta. Aug 1, 1943. Calaban was later lost on the bombing raid to the Emden Industrial area, with it's pilot, Lt. Richard F. O’Neill. Lt. ONeill was known for his violent evasive actions on bomb runs. On this bomb run, these maneuvers put him below the B-24, 42-72878, whose bombs struck, Calaban, behind the #4 engine, shearing the right wing off, and, also, the tail. Calaban, went down with all but one of it's crew members, crashing on land near the Emden Estuary. 9 KIA 1 POW. MACR 1653. Crew Chief Mike Chayka features in photo.
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Units
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 44th Bomb Group 67th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 32028950
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Crew Chief
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
- Nicknames: Calaban
- Unit: 44th Bomb Group 67th Bomb Squadron