41-24282 Ruth-Less

media-14570.jpeg 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. Shortly after dropping their bombs, the bomber received flak damage to the # 3 and # 4 engines (both engines on the starboard wing). Not possible to make base and while attempting to find a landing area in poor weather, A/C crashed into a hill above Eastbourne, killing all crew. 10 KIA. Pilot 1st Lt James O Bolin. MACR 6385.

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.

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Units served with

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 44th Bomb Group 506th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 34335159
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: waist gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 44th Bomb Group 506th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-733360
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 44th Bomb Group 506th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 06890587
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 44th Bomb Group 67th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 14061429 / O-661667
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 44th Bomb Group 506th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-1699168
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Places

Missions

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

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Sources

MACR 6385 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database

41-24282: Gallery (2 items)