42-51171 Eli Swof, Jr

Two B-24 Liberators, "273" (left) and (serial number 42-51171) (right) of the 467th Bomb Group after a ground collision. Handwritten caption on reverse: '42-51171, Q2-? (ex-492 BG) was being given pre-flight checks by C/C & assistant C/C. All four engines were running at 1500 RPM for generator output when a/c jumped over wheel chocks, crossed runway and crashed into a/c 273. Both a/c loaded with bombs but none exploded.' media-414488.jpg FRE 8473 Two B-24 Liberators, "273" (left) and (serial number 42-51171) (right) of the 467th Bomb Group after a ground collision. Handwritten caption on reverse: '42-51171, Q2-? (ex-492 BG) was being given pre-flight checks by C/C & assistant C/C. All four engines were running at 1500 RPM for generator output when a/c jumped over wheel chocks, crossed runway and crashed into a/c 273. Both a/c loaded with bombs but none exploded.' Roger Freeman Collection

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection

Object Number - FRE 8473 - Two B-24 Liberators, "273" (left) and (serial number 42-51171) (right) of the 467th Bomb Group after a ground collision. Handwritten caption on...

This plane was brought in to the 492nd BG as part of the J for H trade with the 458th BG for PROJECT AZON. 

Reassigned to the 859th during July

Transferred to the 467th BG, 788th BS

Transferred to the 467th BG, 790th BS

2 Mar 45: Lost to German fighter attacks.

6 KIA, 3 POW, MACR 12850

Connections

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

Units served with

Unofficial emblem of the 467th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
A Swedish Soldier guards a B-24 Liberator (serial number 44-40159) nicknamed "Boulder Buff" of the 492nd Bomb Group that has landed in Sweden.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 467th Bomb Group 790th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 38902673
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 467th Bomb Group 492nd Bomb Group 788th Bomb Squadron 859th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 16031290
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant (3rd Grade)
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 467th Bomb Group 790th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 17134203
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner
Chester M Guzik
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 467th Bomb Group 790th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 36757416
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 467th Bomb Group 492nd Bomb Group 788th Bomb Squadron 859th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 36294811
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Flight Engineer

Places

Missions

  • Date: 1 August 1944

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

Germany 2 March 1945

Revisions

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Added associations to the 8th AF and to the 790th BS per MACR #12850 at Fold3.com.
SOURCE: https://www.fold3.com/image/28831362

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Added the A/C nickname listed in the "Summary biography" sections of several crew including the Pilot “Alvah D Reid”.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

MACR 12850 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database

42-51171: Gallery (1 items)