42-72772
The B-24D, 42-72772, named, 772, or 85, took part in Operation Tidal Wave to bomb the oil refineries at Ploesti, Romania. 1 August, 1943. Later, it was returned to the 15th Air Force, the 376th Bomb Group, and the 515th Bombardment Squadron.
The B-24D Liberator bomber, 772, 85, was struck by flak and lost on a mission over Italy and failed to return (FTR). The mission report for 23 May 44 reads in part as follows:
"Ship, named, 772, RCL No. 85, of the 515th Squadron, Serial Number 42-72772, was hit by flak just shortly after crossing the coastline on the run to the target from the I.P. The flak hit tore a large hole in the fuselage from the antenna back over the left waist window, but, the ship was still maneuverable, so the pilot attempted to fly it back to Naples, escorted by two bombers in the same flight. But, about five minutes North of the Pomigliano aerodrome at Naples, it was seen to go out of control at about 2000 feet, crashed to the ground, and burst into flames immediately. No one was able to escape from the plane." 23 May, 1944.
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The B-24D - 772 - 85 - Crew Standing (L-R) :
Donald Schoenlein - Bombardier -
Charles G. Gibson - Tail Gunner -
Charles MacNally - Navigator -
Marshall Peterson - Co-Pilot -
Frank Marcus - Pilot - Not Shown -
Kneeling (L-R) : -
William Fahr - Radio Operator -
A. W. Lain - Nose Gunner -
George Hadfield - Engineer -
Carlton Wiles - Ball Turret Gunner -
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 445th Bomb Group
- Service Numbers: 14148123
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Tail Turrent Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 492nd Bomb Group
- Service Numbers: O-823411
- Highest Rank: Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Co-Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 305th Bomb Group 422nd Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Colonel
- Role/Job: Pilot
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Missions
- Date: 1 August 1943
- Official Description:
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
- Unit: 376th Bomb Group 515th Bomb Squadron
Revisions
Tag Archives: 42-72772 - This Day in Aviationhttps://www.thisdayinaviation.com › tag › 42-72772
Tag Archives : 42-72772 - This Day in Aviationhttps://www.thisdayinaviation.com › tag › 42-72772