James M Smith

Military
media-26265.jpeg UPL 26265 "Skippy", pet mascot of 1st Lt J M Smith [ Austin, Texas ], pilot of the Boeing B-17 42-5069 "Our Gang", is probably one of the most pampered mascots at Bassingbourne, England. He completely lives the life of the 324th Bomb Squadron, 91st Bomb Group, of which his master is a member and waits with the ground crew to sweat out the return of his masters plane. 24 June 43.

NARA Ref 342-FH-3A12687-79267AC.

Object Number - UPL 26265 - "Skippy", pet mascot of 1st Lt J M Smith [ Austin, Texas ], pilot of the Boeing B-17 42-5069 "Our Gang", is probably one of the most pampered mascots...

Assigned to 324BS, 91BG, 8AF USAAF. Over 200Hrs flightime on combat missions by Apr 43.

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Units served with

Unofficial emblem of the 91st Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Mascot
  • Nationality: British
  • Unit: 91st Bomb Group 324th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Other
  • Role/Job: Mascot

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: The Eager Beaver
  • Unit: 91st Bomb Group 401st Bomb Squadron
Ground crew of the 91st Bomb Group refuel a B-17 Flying Fortress (DF-G, serial number 42-5069) nicknamed "Our Gang", at Bassingbourn. Image stamped on reverse: '246365' [Censor no]. Passed for Publication 1 Feb 1943 [stamp]. Printed Caption on reverse: 'Some of the airmen from America who are taking part in the daily raids on enemy occupied territory and Germany, in their giant high altitude aircraft the "Flying Fortress" capable of carrying a 11,000 [censor has amended figure to 10,000] pound bomb load.
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Our Gang
  • Unit: 91st Bomb Group 324th Bomb Squadron

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description
Austin, TX, USA

Based

Bassingbourn Assigned to 324BS, 91BG, 8AF USAAF.

Revisions

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ContributorAl_Skiff
Changes
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ContributorAl_Skiff
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James M Smith: Gallery (6 items)