41-31896 Circle Jerk Louisiana Mud Hen
Martin B-26B-30-MA Marauder (s/n 41-31896) named "Louisiana Mud Hen" (aka "Circle Jerk") from the 453rd BS, 323rd BG, 9th AF.
Lost on December 23,1944 when it was shot down by AAA over Germany. All 6 crewmen were KIA. MACR 11659 - Shown just seconds before a direct hit by flak in the left engine sent the plane spinning out of control.
NARA Ref 342-FH-3A20421-55826AC.
Object Number - UPL 25668 - "In one of the most unusual action series of the air war, this ill-fated Martin B-26 Marauder of U.S. 9th Air Force was photographed by cameraman of...
Assigned to 323BS, 453BG, 9AF USAAF. 121 x missions flown. Failed to Return (FTR) bombing mission to Germany 23-Dec-1944. Took a direct or near direct hit in port engine and started into a uncontrolled spin. Crew did not manage to bale out 6 x KIA. MACR 11659.
Crew: Pilot 1Lt Joseph C Bostick, Co pilot 2Lt James P Hodges, Bomb 1Lt Howard Detel, Tail gunner S/Sgt A C Carrell, Eng/TT S/Sgt Albin W Les, Radio S/Sgt Robert E Hohimer.
Connections
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Units served with
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 453rd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 31287711
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
Places
Missions
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Crashed Failed to Return (FTR) |
Germany | 23 December 1944 | Failed to Return (FTR) bombing mission to Germany 23-Dec-1944. Took a direct or near direct hit in port engine and started into a uncontrolled spin. Crew did not manage to bale out 6 x KIA. MACR 11659. |
|
Manufactured |
Offutt AFB, NE, USA | Built at Martin. | |
|
Delivered |
Nebraska, USA | Delivered to USAAF. | |
|
Assigned |
Earls Colne, Colchester CO6, UK | Assigned to 323BS, 453BG, 9AF USAAF. |