44-40253 Hard Luck

media-7105.jpeg UPL 7105 Crew #780
James R. McKinley Crew
B-24J-155-CO #44-40253 "Hard Luck" Code: 6L-N
466th BG - 787th BS

Standing Left to Right: John Gimpel (TG), James R. McKinley (P), David D. Golub (N), James B. Smith (CP)

Kneeling Left to Right: Names unknown

466th BG Historian

Object Number - UPL 7105 - Crew #780 James R. McKinley Crew B-24J-155-CO #44-40253 "Hard Luck" Code: 6L-N 466th BG - 787th BS Standing Left to Right: John Gimpel (TG),...

An original a/c of the 493rd BG, she was transferred to the 466th BG when the former transitioned to B-17's.

Connections

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

Units served with

Three little girls hold up a balloon celebrating the 100th mission of the 466th Bomb Group in front of a B-24 Liberator (serial number 42-95592) nicknamed "Black Cat". Handwritten caption on reverse: 'On our 100 Mission party Day- 18 Aug 1944, Attlebridge, 466th- wouldn't it be something if we could identify these girls? How could I do it?'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 493rd Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 787th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant (3rd Grade)
  • Role/Job: Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 787th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 33836332
  • Highest Rank: Technician Fourth Grade
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 787th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-821207
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 786th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Captain
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 787th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 37540431
  • Highest Rank: Technician Third Grade
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner

Places

Aerial photograph of Attlebridge airfield, looking north, the fuel store and a T2 hangar are in the upper centre, 31 January 1946. Photograph taken by No. 90 Squadron, sortie number RAF/3G/TUD/UK/51. English Heritage (RAF Photography).
  • Site type: Airfield
  • Known as: Attlebridge Arsenal, Station 120

Missions

  • Date: 6 October 1944

Revisions

Date
Contributor466thHistorian
Changes
Sources

Darren Jelley - 493rd BG Historian

Date
Contributor466thHistorian
Changes
Sources

466th BG Historian

44-40253: Gallery (3 items)