FRE 4209

IMAGE

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The nose art of a B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "Hell's Angels" of the 303rd Bomb Group. Passed for publication 24 Sep 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'American Public To See Veteran Raider. The famous Flying Fortress "Hell's Angels," which has raided enemy territory 41 times dropping 205,000 lbs of bombs and shooting down 16 enemy fighters, is to be flown to the United States where it will "tour" the country for inspection by the American public. Its targets include St. Nazaire (3 times), Wilhelmshaven (4 times), Paris (4 times), Hamm (twice), Lorient (4 times), Rouen (2), Lille (2), Rotterdam (2), Hamburg (2), Antwerp (2) and one raid on each on [each] Brest, Rennes, Amiens, Vegesack, Meanete, Kiel, Le Mans, Paix, Hanover, Abbeville, Schweinfurt,. Total combat time ... 207 hours, 25 minutes. Total flying time ... 531 hours, 20 minutes. ABS/F. Keystone.' Printed caption also attached: '(8). Major Kirk R. Mitchell from Oklahoma City, the Squadron Commander of the wing in which “Hell’s Angels” flies, tries the controls of the famous raider’s cockpit.' On reverse: US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

Connections

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Units

Official emblem of the 303rd Bomb Group approved 7 November 1942.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

The nose art of a B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "Hell's Angels" of the 303rd Bomb Group. Passed for publication 24 Sep 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'American Public To See Veteran Raider. The famous Flying Fortress "Hell's Angels," which has raided enemy territory 41 times dropping 205,000 lbs of bombs and shooting down 16 enemy fighters, is to be flown to the United States where it will "tour" the country for inspection by the American public. Its targets include St. Nazaire (3 times), Wilhelmshave
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Major
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Aircraft

A B-17 Flying Fortress (VK-D, serial number 41-24577) nicknamed "Hell's Angel" of the 358th Bomb Squadron, 303rd Bomb Group in flight. Passed for publication 21 Aug 1943. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Hell's Angel. L1721/29.' Printed caption on reverse of print: 'A Flying Fortress wearing the new recognition symbol of the U.S.A.A.F. and fitted with toughened glass "windows" in the air.' On reverse: The Aeroplane Ltd, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Hell's Angels
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 358th Bomb Squadron

Mission

Revisions

Date:
ContributorAl_Skiff
ChangesChanges to unit associations and aircraft associations
Sources

Roger Freeman Photo.

Date:
ContributorAAM
ChangesAAM ingest
Sources

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection