42-30793 Tom Paine
Page 88, The Mighty Eighth in Color, Roger Freeman.
Object Number - FRE 6461 - Airmen of the 388th Bomb Group climb aboard their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-30793) nicknamed "Tom Paine" before a mission. Written on...
Named Tom Paine after a famous soldier who served in the American Army during the War of Independence after the airmen of the 562nd after they found out that he had been born in the nearby town of Thetford. Was chosen to promote Anglo-American co-operation through showing links between the two nations though seen as insensitive by many in Thetford where Paine was seen as a traitor against Britain. Delivered Cheyenne 29/7/43; Dyersburg 8/8/43; Assigned 562BS/388BG Knettishall 3/9/43; Provided navigational assistance for Aphrodite [remote controlled, explosive packed, flying bomber] mission to V1 missile site at Wisternes, France, 4-8-44.
Crashed Ellough, Norfolk, on return from a mission with Bob McWhite; Salvaged 11/4/44. TOM PAINE.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 91st Bomb Group 92nd Bomb Group 322nd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-470766 (14044069 on enlistment)
- Highest Rank: Captain
- Role/Job: Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 388th Bomb Group 562nd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-671213
- Highest Rank: Captain
- Role/Job: Bombardier
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 388th Bomb Group 562nd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 37429547
- Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
- Role/Job: waist gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 388th Bomb Group 562nd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 12201690
- Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
- Role/Job: Radio Operator
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 388th Bomb Group 562nd Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Navigator
Places
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Ellough
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Winfarthing
- Site type: Airfield
Missions
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Other 34 Combat missions |
Europe | 26 September 1943 - 24 December 1944 | 34 missions (29 credited between 26 sept 43 and 24 dec 44). |
|
Crashed |
Ellough, Beccles, Suffolk NR34, UK | 11 April 1944 | Crashed Ellough, Norfolk, on return from a mission. Pilot Lt Bob McWhite. |
|
Other Salvaged / Repaired |
Ellough, Beccles, Suffolk NR34, UK | 12 April 1944 | |
|
Other Aphrodite mission |
Wizernes, France | 4 August 1944 | Provided navigational assistance for Aphrodite [remote controlled, explosive packed, flying bomber] mission to V1 missile site at Wizernes, France, 4-8-44. |
|
Assigned |
Knettishall, Diss, Suffolk IP22, UK | Replacement sent to 562nd Bomb Squadron. |
Revisions
AAM DB Entry.
Liberator: The Consolidated B-24 By Graham Simons
AAM DB Entry.
Liberator: The Consolidated B-24 By Graham Simons
AAM DB Entry.
Liberator: The Consolidated B-24 by Graham Simons
Page 88, The Mighty Eighth in Color, Roger Freeman
Dave Osborne, B-17 Fortress Master Log / MACR 3983 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database
![Second Lieutenant James E. Zengerle and Second Lieutenant Albert B. Millin of the 388th Bomb Group, talks about their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-30793) nicknamed "Tom Paine" to Professor Frank Dobie. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 25 Oct 1943. [stamp] and '289761.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AMERICAN SERVICEMEN'S TRIBUTE TO TOM PAINE. Associated Press Photo Shows: Left to right: 2nd Lt James E Zengerle, Pilot of the Flying Fortress](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-380288.jpg.webp?itok=DnBn50IK)
