42-64166 Big Fat Butterfly

Shot down on return from Mission to Halberstat, Ger. on 20 Feb 1943. MACR 2449

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 44th Bomb Group.

44th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
A B-24 Liberator (serial number 42-95260) nicknamed "Lili Marlene" of the 66th Bomb Squadron, 44th Bomb Group flies in formation with two comrades. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'B-24 H & B-24 J OF 44th B.G. 66th Sqdn'

66th Bomb Squadron

  • Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

Robert L Albine

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 44th Bomb Group 66th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 13087450
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: waist gunner

Michael J Balca

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 44th Bomb Group 66th Bomb Squadron 68th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 15070162
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner

Elmer J Bethke

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 44th Bomb Group 66th Bomb Squadron 68th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 16077154
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner

John J Crocker

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 44th Bomb Group 68th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 34430758
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner

Donald Roger Decker

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 44th Bomb Group 68th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-2044424
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

Belgium 20 February 1944

Revisions

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Corrected a typo in the "Description".

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Added info to the Decription section thatwas gleaned from thm MACR 2449.

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Added the A/C nickname mentioned in the "Summary biography" of crew member, Elmer Bethke.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

MACR 2449 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database