41-24282 Ruth-Less
Object Number - UPL 14570 - B-24 Liberator #4124282 'Ruth-Less' a survivor of 1st Aug 43 Ploesti raid. Lost on raid on V1 rocket launching ramps at Pas-de-Calais, France....
Took part in Operation Tidal Wave, the raid on Ploesti on 1 August 1943.
2 February 1944 - Their target was a mysterious construction site at Pas-de-Calais, on the coast of France. Although the purpose of the site was yet unknown, it would turn out to be one of the launching ramps for the German V-1 rocket.
1st Lt James O. Bolin, was the pilot of A/C. Shortly after dropping their bombs during the brief flight, the bomber received flak damage to the #3 and #4 engines (both engines on the starboard wing). It was certain that the wounded bomber would not make its base. While attempting to find a landing area in poor weather, A/C crashed into a hill, killing all crew. 10 KIA. MACR 6385.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 44th Bomb Group 506th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 32197284 / O-798720
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Navigator
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 44th Bomb Group 506th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 34283420
- Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
- Role/Job: Engineer
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 44th Bomb Group 506th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-424895
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 44th Bomb Group 506th Bomb Squadron 67th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 19074060
- Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
- Role/Job: Flight Engineer; Top Turret Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 44th Bomb Group 506th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 13124616
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner
Places
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Pathway
Missions
- Date: 1 August 1943
- Official Description:
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Other Survived Ploesti |
Ploiești, Romania | 1 August 1943 | Flew on 1st Aug 43 Ploesti raid, returning to Libya. Crew: 1/Lt Frank D Slough [P], F/O Raymond J Lacombe [CP], 2/Lt George G Grimes [N], 1/Lt Charles M Shaw [B], S/Sgt Elwood W Harbison [R/O], T/Sgt James E Caillier [E/TT], S/Sgt Herman J Seigfeldt [WG], T/Sgt Dan Kennon [WG], S/Sgt Robert A Griffin [TG]. |
|
Other Failed to Return (FTR) |
Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK | 2 February 1944 | Their target was a mysterious construction site at Pas-de-Calais, on the coast of France. Although the purpose of the site was yet unknown, it would turn out to be one of the launching ramps for the German V-1 rocket. 1st Lt James O Bolin, of Joplin, MO, was the pilot of the Ruth-less. Shortly after dropping their bombs during the brief flight, the bomber received flak damage to the Number 3 and Number 4 engines (both engines on the right wing of the plane). It was certain that the wounded bomber would not make its base. While attempting to find a landing area in poor weather, A/C crashed into a hill, killing all crew. 10 KIA. MACR 6385. |
|
Assigned |
Benghazi, Libya | 506th BS, 44th BG, 8th AF. TDY 9th AF. |
Revisions
MACR 6385 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database