41-31613 Son-of-Satan

Major Sherman R. Beaty, a pilot of the 386th Bomb Group with his B-26 Marauder (serial number 41-31613) nicknamed "Son of Satan". Image stamped on reverse: 'Keystone press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 30 Sep 1943.' [stamp] and'285958.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse has been heavily amended by censor, omissions are shown in parenthesis: AMERICA'S <<"RED DEVIL">> FLYERS. USP/2247-6. Squadron commander Major Sherman Beaty of Hoquiam, Washington strikes a pose beside his ship, "Son of Satan". media-380213.jpg FRE 2236 Major Sherman R. Beaty, a pilot of the 386th Bomb Group with his B-26 Marauder (serial number 41-31613) nicknamed "Son of Satan". Image stamped on reverse: 'Keystone press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 30 Sep 1943.' [stamp] and'285958.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse has been heavily amended by censor, omissions are shown in parenthesis: AMERICA'S <<"RED DEVIL">> FLYERS. USP/2247-6. Squadron commander Major Sherman Beaty of Hoquiam, Washington strikes a pose beside his ship, "Son of Satan". <<His in the "Red Devil" Squadron and>> his pilots have <<carried out the theme by naming [amended by censor to named]>> their ships "Hell's Angels", "Hell's Fury", "Hell's Belle", "Hell's-a-Poppin", "Nemo" and others. Their motto is "Give the Axis hell and get home".' Roger Freeman Collection

AAM Photo

Object Number - FRE 2236 - Major Sherman R. Beaty, a pilot of the 386th Bomb Group with his B-26 Marauder (serial number 41-31613) nicknamed "Son of Satan". Image stamped on...

"On 18 November 1944 American 386 BG 555thBS, flying two-engined Marauders and stationed at Beaumont-sur-Oise, had orders to attack a storage dump near St. Wendel. Difficulties began already when they had to deal with heavy flak fire while crossing the Moselle River. What’s more, snow and fog made it impossible to find the target. Therefore the formation headed for a secondary target at Aulenbach near Baumholder (barracks buildings), where again heavy flak fire was encountered. This time the Marauder “Son of Satan” of pilot Robert J. Owen jr. had a wing partly shot off so that the crew had to leave their ship instantaneously, which, however, only one man was able to do successfully. The plane spun down and exploded on impact between Mörschied and Kempfeld. Five of the six crewmembers perished".

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Units served with

Lieutenant James T. Wilson and Lieutenant Robert J. Owen of the 386th Bomb Group in the cockpit of their B-26 Marauder. Image stamped on reverse: 'Not to be published.' [stamp], 'Ministry of Information 19 Aug 1943.' [stamp] nand '279545.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AT THE US MARAUDERS BASE. The B-26 Marauders, American super medium bombers are operating now from bases in Britain. This series of pictures shows various scenes at the airfield where the ground crew and the fliers work together
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Ninth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

Lieutenant James T. Wilson and Lieutenant Robert J. Owen of the 386th Bomb Group in the cockpit of their B-26 Marauder. Image stamped on reverse: 'Not to be published.' [stamp], 'Ministry of Information 19 Aug 1943.' [stamp] nand '279545.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AT THE US MARAUDERS BASE. The B-26 Marauders, American super medium bombers are operating now from bases in Britain. This series of pictures shows various scenes at the airfield where the ground crew and the fliers work together
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 386th Bomb Group 555th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-667542
  • Highest Rank: Captain
  • Role/Job: Pilot / Co-Pilot

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

near Kempfeld, Germany 18 November 1944

Revisions

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ContributorZoom23
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555th plane list

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ContributorTanks
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From photo

Date
ContributorAAM
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Sources

MACR 10466 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database

41-31613: Gallery (7 items)