James E O'Donnell

Military

Tail Gunner on B-26 "Lois Rose" #41-31853, shot down on the 25 May 1944 mission to bomb a railway bridge at Seraing, Liège, Belgium. Made prisoner. MACR 5039.

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 455th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 16050448
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Aerial Engineer
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 455th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 33105396
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 455th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 15130127 and O-681106
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 455th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 14098585 and O-681184
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 455th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 32437055
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder
  • Nicknames: Lois Rose
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 455th Bomb Squadron

Missions

Events

Event Location Date Description

Enlisted

Cincinnati, Ohio, United States 13 August 1942

Other

POW (Prisoner of War)

25 May 1944 Interned at Stalag Luft 3 in Sagan / Zagan, Poland. NARA POW database : "Returned to Allied military control 11.04.1946"

Born

Kentucky, United States

Revisions

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Added a "-" to the A/C serial number in the "Summary biography" to aid clarity & consistency.

Date
ContributorED-BB
Changes
Sources

MACR 5039
NARA WWII Enlistment records
NARA WWII POW database