The B-24D, 41-23810, named, Tarfu, flew on Operation Tidal Wave, the bombing mission to destroy the oil refineries at Ploesti, Romania, in Aug 1943. The B-24D, Tarfu, was flown on the mission by Command Pilot Lt. Earl C. Hurd, and returned safely to Benghazi, Libya. 1 Aug 43.

Later, Tarfu, was shot down and lost on a mission over Kiel, Germany. It was hit by flak splinters, severing the flight controls, causing a complete loss of control of the aircraft. Tarfu, crashed southwest of Süderschmedeby, south of Frensburg, Germany. 4 Jan 44. 6 KIA. 4 POW. MACR 8342

Statement from TSgt. Thomas J. Adams :
"Our plane, Tarfu, crashed after the control cables had been severed by AAA flak explosive rounds. The plane immediately stalled, pitched down and went into an uncontrollable spin. There was not much time to get out. Therefore, those of us in good condition could not help the wounded men that could not help themselves. The aircraft crashed 2 KM southwest of Suderschmedeby, south of Flensburg, Germany. 4 Jan 44. MACR 8342

B-24 Targets : Targets of Opportunity - Kiel, Germany.
Missing Air Crew Report Details : USAAF MACR 8342 :
Date Lost : 4 Jan 44
Serial Number : 41-23810
Aircraft Model : B-24D
Aircraft Letter : S
Aircraft Name : Tarfu
Cause Of Loss : Aircraft hit by flak - crashed - 6 KIA. 4 POW.
Note : The B-24D's assignment on this mission was to bomb targets of opportunity, while the B-17s attacked the Kiel port area. The 93rd Bomb Group lists 1 ship lost and failed to return on this date. FTR

B-24D, 41-23810, Tarfu, was piloted by Lt. Earl C. Hurd, with a different crew, on Operation Tidal Wave, over Ploesti, Romania. 1 Aug 43.
The aircraft was later shot down over Germany and failed to return (FTR). 6 KIA - 4 POW. 4 Jan 44. MACR 8342

Crew for Operation Tidal Wave on B-24D - 41-23810 - Tarfu

1st Lt. Earle C. Hurd - Pilot
2nd Lt. Allan F. Rabinovitz
2nd Lt. Rex S. Walker
SSgt John M Larsen - Gunner
SSgt. Charles K. Gordoni
Sgt. Cornelius Pas
Sgt. Frank E. Perkins, Jr
TSgt. Thomas J. Adams