42-7513 Pistol Packin Mama

On 18 Mar 1944 (445th BG Mission 39 - Friedrichshafen, Germany) while enroute to the target the aircraft lost an engine due to mechanical failure. Nearing the target another engine was damaged by flak & the electrical system was knocked out. The pilot diverted to Dubendorf, Switzerland, escorted by Swiss fighters. On final approach to Dubendorf the landing gear caught & brought down a high voltage power line of the Swiss National Railway which resulted in the death of 2 children. The crew & aircraft were interned in Switzerland.

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

Units served with

A pathfinder B-24 Liberator (serial number 42-51681) of the 453rd Bomb Group flies in formation with a fellow Liberator of the 453rd and and a pathfinder Liberator of the 445th Bomb Group. Image via Alan Rowsell.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 445th Bomb Group 702nd Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 445th Bomb Group 702nd Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: waist gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 445th Bomb Group 702nd Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: waist gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 445th Bomb Group 702nd Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 445th Bomb Group 702nd Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

Germany 18 March 1944

Revisions

Date
ContributorUALDC8
Changes
Sources

Heavy Bombers of the Mighty Eighth
Losses of the US 8th & 9th Air Forces - Vol 2
445th Bomb Group Website
Second in Line, Second to None, A Photographic History of the 2nd Air Division
Battle Colors - Vol 1

Date
ContributorUALDC8
Changes
Sources

Heavy Bombers of the Mighty Eighth
Losses of the US 8th & 9th Air Forces - Vol 2
445th Bomb Group Website
Second in Line, Second to None - A Photographic History of the 2nd Air Division
Battle Colors - Vol 1

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

MACR 3333 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database