UPL 19323

IMAGE

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* 42-5917 * "The Bouncing Bitch". Albert Batich, navigator, is standing in the middle of the back row (not wearing a hat). Eugene Lescarbeau, waist gunner, is kneeling on the far left. This ship came to the 379th BG in June 1943 & was originally assigned to the 524th BS Fuselage Code WA-Y. After a few missions she was transferred to the to the 526th BS & given two codes LF-Y then LF-L. She had only nine missions.. Pilot: We were flying at 28,000 and were hit by AA fire. The order to bail out was given but only six of the crew were able to do so. I believe the rest of the crew were killed before or during the way down; all controls & communications were out. The ship crashed near Ratzburg, Germany.

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People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 524th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-738808
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 524th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 11042244
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Bouncin Bitch
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 524th Bomb Squadron 526th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date:
ContributorLucy May
ChangesChanges to caption and person associations
Sources

Albert Batich was identified in this photo by his son-in-law, Louis LaRusso.

Date:
ContributorAvianMan
ChangesCreated entry with caption
Sources

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