The B-24D Liberator, 42-40776, Old Blister Butt, was originally deployed to Alconbury, U.K. in the 8th Air Force. It was later redeployed (TDY), as part of the 8th Air Force, the 389th Bomb Group, and the 564th Bomb Squadron, to Benghazi, Libya. Flown by Pilot Lt. Robert L. Wright, and his crew, Old Blister Butt, flew on the bombing mission to destroy the oil refineries at Campina, north of Ploesti, Romania. 1 Aug 1943
On Leaving the target area, Robert Wright and his crew saw their friends in the B-24D, Ole Irish, in trouble and limping away from the Campina refinery area with one engine destroyed by flak, streaming vapor and smoke. Lt. Wright made the decision to slow down and fly as fighter cover for his buddies, and escorted them all the way to the Turkish coast and relative safety. Both planes, Ole Irish, and, Old Blister Butt, returned safely to Benghazi, Libya. 1 Aug 1943.

Later, after returning to Britain, Old blister Butt's new crew renamed it, Widow, with the same nose art.

Originally - 328th Bomb Squadron (N), 93rd BG, 8th Air Force.
Transferred - 564th Bomb Squadron (YO H), 389th Bomb Group. 8th Air Force.
Transferred - 566th Bomb Squadron (RR K+), 389th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force.

Name changed to, Widow, (B-24D-SA-95 CO) 406th Bomb Squadron, 801st (P) Bomb Group and to the 858th Bomb Squadron, the 492nd Bomb Group, in the 8th Air Force for "Carpetbagger" missions.

Salvaged war weary at Langford Lodge, North Ireland. 29 May 45