44-40268 Kentucky Belle

A B-24 Liberator (serial number 44-40268) nicknamed "Kentucky Belle" of the 446th Bomb Group. Handwritten caption on reverse: '"Kentucky Belle" painted on other side of nose.' media-380576.jpg FRE 1755 A B-24 Liberator (serial number 44-40268) nicknamed "Kentucky Belle" of the 446th Bomb Group. Handwritten caption on reverse: '"Kentucky Belle" painted on other side of nose.' Roger Freeman Collection

Page 28, The Mighty Eighth in Color, Roger Freeman

Object Number - FRE 1755 - A B-24 Liberator (serial number 44-40268) nicknamed "Kentucky Belle" of the 446th Bomb Group. Handwritten caption on reverse: '"Kentucky Belle"...

The Kentucky Belle was one of the later models of B-24J bombers and was equipped with some of the best technology available to the USAF. While in operation she served in 84 missions, 80 bombing runs and 3 'truckings' or fuel runs and a supply drop.

Connections

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

Units served with

A flight of B-24 Liberators of the 446th Bomb Group fly in formation above the clouds.

446th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 490th Bomb Group.

490th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 493rd Bomb Group.

493rd Bomb Group

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

People

A bomber crew, led by Lieutenant Grant, of the 446th Bomb Group with their B-24 Liberator (RT-H, serial number 44-40268) nicknamed "Kentucky Belle". Image via Albert R Krassman Jr. Written on slide casing: 'Kentucky Belle, Lt Grant's crew, Wesel supply drop, March 24, 1995 [sic].'

Thomas Patrick Grant

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 446th Bomb Group 493rd Bomb Group
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
  • Role/Job: Pilot
Staff Sergeant Landon Hunt and Corporal Albert Krassman of the 446th Bomb Group with a B-24 Liberator (RT-R, serial number 41-29177) nicknamed "Ginger". Image via Albert R Krassman Jr Written on slide casing: 'Ginger, S/Sgt Landon Hunt, Crew Chief, Cpl Albert Krassman, Armorer.'

Landon Hunt

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 446th Bomb Group
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Crew Cheif
Sergeant Albert R Krassman of the 446th Bomb Group with a B-24 Liberator (RT-H, serial number 44-40268) nicknamed "Kentucky Belle". Image via Albert R Krassman Jr Handwritten caption on reverse: '"Kentucky Belle" call "H". B-24J-156-Co, 4440268, 706 Bomb Squadron (H), 446 Bomb Group (H), 20th Combat Bomb Wing, 2nd Air Division, 8th USAF. Sgt Albert R Krassman JR, AAF station 125, Flixtion, Bungay, Suffolk, England, Spring 1945.'

Albert R Krassman

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 446th Bomb Group 706th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 37343250

Places

Aerial photograph of Bungay (Flixton) airfield, looking south, the technical site- with T2 hangar- and control tower are to the right, where the main airfield gate is also situated, 16 October 1945. Photograph taken by No. 541 Squadron, sortie number RAF/106G/UK/930. English Heritage (RAF Photography).

Bungay

  • Site type: Airfield
  • Known as: Flixton
Eye, home of the 490th Bomb Group, photographed from the air. Image via Mark Brown, AFA. Written on slide casing: 'Eye from air.'

Eye

  • Site type: Airfield
  • Known as: Brome

Revisions

Date
ContributorEmily
Changes
Sources

Removed incorrect statement claiming Kentucky Belle was on display at Norfolk and Suffolk Museum, after confirmation from Mark Casto (museum volunteer) confirmed this is not the case

Date
Contributorjrugman
Changes
Sources

Picture found on AAM website identifying Lieutenant Grant to be the pilot of the Kentucky Belle.

Date
Contributorjrugman
Changes
Sources

Found to be Crew Chief of the Kentucky Belle on another part of AAM website.

Date
Contributorjrugman
Changes
Sources

Sources:
Page 28, The Mighty Eighth in Color, Roger Freeman
http://www.aviationmuseum.net/706BS.htm

44-40268: Gallery (7 items)

A B-24 Liberator (serial number 44-40268) nicknamed "Kentucky Belle" of the 446th Bomb Group. Handwritten caption on reverse: '"Kentucky Belle" painted on other side of nose.'

Object number: FRE 1755 - A B-24 Liberator (serial number 44-40268)...

Staff-Sergeant Landon Hunt, crew chief of the 446th Bomb Group in the cockpit of a B-24 Liberator (RT-H, serial number 44-40268) nicknamed "Kentucky Belle". Image via Albert R Krassman Jr. Written on slide casing: 'Kentucky Belle, Landon Hunt, Crew Chief, S/Sgt.'

Object number: FRE 6572 - Staff-Sergeant Landon Hunt, crew chief of the...

The nose art of a B-24 Liberator (RT-H, serial number 44-40268) nicknamed "Kentucky Belle" of the 446th Bomb Group Image via Albert R Krassman Jr.

Object number: FRE 6573 - The nose art of a B-24 Liberator (RT-H, serial...

A bomber crew, led by Lieutenant Grant, of the 446th Bomb Group with their B-24 Liberator (RT-H, serial number 44-40268) nicknamed "Kentucky Belle". Image via Albert R Krassman Jr. Written on slide casing: 'Kentucky Belle, Lt Grant's crew, Wesel supply drop, March 24, 1995 [sic].'

Object number: FRE 6589 - A bomber crew, led by Lieutenant Grant, of the...

Staff Sergeant Landon Hunt, crew chief of the 446th Bomb Group with a B-24 Liberator (RT-H, serial number 44-40268) nicknamed "Kentucky Belle". Image via Albert R Krassman Jr Written on slide casing: 'Kentucky Belle, S/Sgt Landon Hunt Crew Chief.'

Object number: FRE 6599 - Staff Sergeant Landon Hunt, crew chief of the...

Sergeant Albert R Krassman of the 446th Bomb Group with a B-24 Liberator (RT-H, serial number 44-40268) nicknamed "Kentucky Belle". Image via Albert R Krassman Jr Handwritten caption on reverse: '"Kentucky Belle" call "H". B-24J-156-Co, 4440268, 706 Bomb Squadron (H), 446 Bomb Group (H), 20th Combat Bomb Wing, 2nd Air Division, 8th USAF. Sgt Albert R Krassman JR, AAF station 125, Flixtion, Bungay, Suffolk, England, Spring 1945.'

Object number: FRE 7671 - Sergeant Albert R Krassman of the 446th Bomb Group...

Object number: UPL 35504 - "Consolidated B-24 Liberators Fly In Formation...