41-31620 Black Magic

Airmen of the 386th Bomb Group celebrate the 50 mission markings painted on the back of Staff-Sergeant Chester P Klier's A-2 Flight Jacket, in front of their B-26 Marauder (RG-R, serial number 41-31620) nicknamed "Black Magic". Image via Chester P Klier. Printed caption on reverse: '386th BG From left, to right: Lt Harry Slemmons, 38 missions. S/Sgt ChesterO Klier, 50 missions. S/Sgt John P Stankiewiz, 14 missions (he was later shot down but survived). Capt Bud W Lambert, 46 missions. S/Sgt Alan N Dipple, media-380201.jpg FRE 2224 Airmen of the 386th Bomb Group celebrate the 50 mission markings painted on the back of Staff-Sergeant Chester P Klier's A-2 Flight Jacket, in front of their B-26 Marauder (RG-R, serial number 41-31620) nicknamed "Black Magic". Image via Chester P Klier. Printed caption on reverse: '386th BG From left, to right: Lt Harry Slemmons, 38 missions. S/Sgt ChesterO Klier, 50 missions. S/Sgt John P Stankiewiz, 14 missions (he was later shot down but survived). Capt Bud W Lambert, 46 missions. S/Sgt Alan N Dipple, 43 missions. Slemmons points to fifty bomb symbols and German fighter plane painted on the back of Klier's jacket.' Roger Freeman Collection

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection

Object Number - FRE 2224 - Airmen of the 386th Bomb Group celebrate the 50 mission markings painted on the back of Staff-Sergeant Chester P Klier's A-2 Flight Jacket, in front...

25 March 1944, after flying 50 missions this aircraft crash landed when the main gear failed to lower.

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

Units served with

Lieutenant James T. Wilson and Lieutenant Robert J. Owen of the 386th Bomb Group in the cockpit of their B-26 Marauder. Image stamped on reverse: 'Not to be published.' [stamp], 'Ministry of Information 19 Aug 1943.' [stamp] nand '279545.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AT THE US MARAUDERS BASE. The B-26 Marauders, American super medium bombers are operating now from bases in Britain. This series of pictures shows various scenes at the airfield where the ground crew and the fliers work together

386th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Ninth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

Harry G Hankey

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 386th Bomb Group 552nd Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Bud Lambert

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 386th Bomb Group 552nd Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot
A bomber crerw of the 552nd Bomb Squadron, 386th Bomb Group with their B-26 Marauder (RG-K, serial number 41-34987). Official caption on image: "(GP-30-27-386)(14 Sept 43)(552 Bomb Sq. Crew)." Printed caption on reverse: '552nd B.S., 386th B.G. A/C Name: _ A/C Ser. No.: 134987, RG-K. From left to right starting in back row: 1) Pilot: Gerold A. Wendt. 2) _. 3) _. 4) E/G: Thornton B. Henry. 5) A/G: Myron O. McKim. 6) R/G: _.' On reverse: From Photo Files Of Chester P. Klier [Stamp].

Jerold A Wendt

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 386th Bomb Group 552nd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 15011783 on enlisting
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot
A bomber crerw of the 552nd Bomb Squadron, 386th Bomb Group with their B-26 Marauder (RG-K, serial number 41-34987). Official caption on image: "(GP-30-27-386)(14 Sept 43)(552 Bomb Sq. Crew)." Printed caption on reverse: '552nd B.S., 386th B.G. A/C Name: _ A/C Ser. No.: 134987, RG-K. From left to right starting in back row: 1) Pilot: Gerold A. Wendt. 2) _. 3) _. 4) E/G: Thornton B. Henry. 5) A/G: Myron O. McKim. 6) R/G: _.' On reverse: From Photo Files Of Chester P. Klier [Stamp].

Frank W White

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 386th Bomb Group 552nd Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot

Revisions

Date
Contributorgeneral ira snapsorter
Changes
Sources

From "Lt. Joseph D McIntyre USAAF European Theater of Operation June 1943-October 1944" provided by Tully McIntyre, son of Joseph D. McIntyre.

Date
ContributorTanks
Changes
Sources

AAM Photo

41-31620: Gallery (3 items)

Airmen of the 386th Bomb Group celebrate the 50 mission markings painted on the back of Staff-Sergeant Chester P Klier's A-2 Flight Jacket, in front of their B-26 Marauder (RG-R, serial number 41-31620) nicknamed "Black Magic". Image via Chester P Klier. Printed caption on reverse: '386th BG From left, to right: Lt Harry Slemmons, 38 missions. S/Sgt ChesterO Klier, 50 missions. S/Sgt John P Stankiewiz, 14 missions (he was later shot down but survived). Capt Bud W Lambert, 46 missions. S/Sgt Alan N Dipple,

Object number: FRE 2224 - Airmen of the 386th Bomb Group celebrate the 50...

A Bomber crew of the 386th Bomb Group with their B-26 Marauder (RG-R, serial no 41-31620) nicknamed "Black Magic". Image via Chester P Klier. Printed caption on reverse: '552nd BS, 386th BG. A/C Name: No.131620 RG-R. From left to right 1-,2-,3- Pilot: Bud W Lambert (Sqdn CO later), 4-,5-,6-.'

Object number: FRE 2228 - A Bomber crew of the 386th Bomb Group with their B...

A crashed B-26 Marauder (serial number 41-31620) nicknamed "Black Magic" of the 386th Bomb Group. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'L. 458. "Black Magic" lost her magic. Main gear failed to lower. Shows she had 50 missions, or more.'

Object number: FRE 7836 - A crashed B-26 Marauder (serial number 41-31620)...