42-30096 Liberty Belle

B-17 Flying Fortresses of the 385th Bomb Group fly in formation. Passed for publication 15 Nov 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'U.S. Flying Fortresses In Action. Here is a series of pictures taken of Flying Fortresses over enemy territoty[sic] during a recent raid. These four engined "giants" are doing a good job with their successful daylight operations, and every bomb dropped is helping to speed up the end of the war. Photo Shows:- Aerial scenes of Fortresses over enemy territory in formation and in f media-413703.jpg FRE 7692 B-17 Flying Fortresses of the 385th Bomb Group fly in formation. Passed for publication 15 Nov 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'U.S. Flying Fortresses In Action. Here is a series of pictures taken of Flying Fortresses over enemy territoty[sic] during a recent raid. These four engined "giants" are doing a good job with their successful daylight operations, and every bomb dropped is helping to speed up the end of the war. Photo Shows:- Aerial scenes of Fortresses over enemy territory in formation and in flight. U.S. Pool/SG/HEL. Keystone.' Censor no: 292899. On reverse: Keystone Press Agency and US Army General Section Press & Cenorship Bureau [Stamps].

In the foreground, the "Liberty Belle" (#42-30096) Roger Freeman Collection

Documented sources

Object Number - FRE 7692 - B-17 Flying Fortresses of the 385th Bomb Group fly in formation. Passed for publication 15 Nov 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'U.S. Flying...

Delivered Denver 9/4/43; Gore 10/4/43; Denver 29/4/43; Glasgow 3/5/43; Kearney 29/5/43; Dow Fd 15/6/43; Assigned 549BS/385BG [XA-J] Gt Ashfield 26/6/43; Missing in Action Solingen 30/11/43 with Capt Bob Smith (WIA), Co-pilot: Paul Lindsay, replacement Co-pilot: Jim McKee (KIA), Navigator: Nathan Ungar (KIA), Bombardier: Chas Stevens (KIA), Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Sam Litt (KIA); Radio Operator: Edwin Randig, Ball turret gunner: Troy Roberts, Waist gunner: Henry Lohff, Waist gunner: George Lilburn,Tail gunner: Lou Lonsway (RTD), small fire aboard caused by flare igniting followed by explosion, crashed Penlan Hall, Wakes Colne, near Colchester, Ex, UK, close to Wormingford a/fd; Missing Air Crew Report 4403. LIBERTY BELLE.

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 385th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 549th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: waist gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 549th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 549th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 32351362
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 549th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 549th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

England 30 November 1943

Revisions

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Contributoracbernstein1
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Sources

Written by Robert C. Smith.  Contributed by the 385th BG Association

https://www.385thbga.com/wp-content/uploads/How-22Liberty-Belle22-Was-Lā€¦

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Contributorhermanns
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385th BG website

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Contributorhermanns
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Personal account of crew member

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Contributorhermanns
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Documented source

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Contributorhermanns
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Documented source

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Contributorhermanns
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Personal account by crew member

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Contributorhermanns
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Personal account of crew member

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ContributorAAM
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Sources

Dave Osborne, B-17 Fortress Master Log / MACR 4403 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database

42-30096: Gallery (5 items)