UPL 14042

IMAGE

By downloading this image, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions

The B-24D Liberator, 41-23778, first named, Jenny, was assigned to the 66th Bomb Squadron, the 44th Bomb Group, in the 8th Air Force, in the U.K. detached (TDY) to the 9th Air Force in Benghazi, North Africa in 1943. It's Pilot Lt. Rocco Curelli and his crew, flew , Jenny, on the, Ploesti oil refinery mission and returned safely to Libya. 1 Aug 43. - After surviving the Ploesti mission, Lt. Curelli and the crew renamed, Jenny, to, Lady Luck. The aircraft was lost on the attack on the German airfields at Foggia, Italy, while still on TDY to the 9th Air Force. Pilot Lt. Rocco A. Curelli and all of his crew, excepting his radio operator, were killed (KIA). The radio Operator was blown clear of, Lucky Lady's explosion and crash, and survived his bail out to become a POW before escaping and returning to duty (POW - RTD). 1 Aug 1943. 9 (KIA ) - 1 (POW-RTD). MACR 2141 - 3150.

Connections

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

Units

The insignia of the 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'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

The crew of a B-24 Liberator (serial number 41-23778) nicknamed "Jenny", of the 44th Bomb Group, return to Shipdham following a raid on Germany, 29 January 1943. 

The insignia attached to the breast of several crew members jackets has been censored. 

Image stamped on reverse: 'Barratt's Photo Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 29 Jan 1943.' [stamp]. Printed caption on reverse: 'First American raid on Germany. Flying Fortresses and Liberators of the U.S. Army Air Corps Carried out their first r
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 44th Bomb Group 66th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 11062939 / O-670981
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: - Jenny - Lady Luck
  • Unit: 44th Bomb Group 66th Bomb Squadron

Mission

Revisions

Date:
ContributorKickapoo
ChangesChanges to caption, person associations and mission associations
Sources

Best Web - B-24 - Lady Luck - Jenny

Date:
ContributorKickapoo
ChangesChanges to caption
Sources

Best Web - B-24 - Lady Luck

Date:
ContributorKickapoo
ChangesChanges to caption
Sources

Best Web - B-24 - 41-23778 - Jenny - Lady Luck

Date:
ContributorKickapoo
ChangesChanges to caption
Sources

Find-A-Grave Memorials - Wesley Lee Zimmerman

Date:
ContributorKickapoo
ChangesChanges to caption
Sources

Best Web - B-24D - 41-23778 - Jenny - Lady Luck

Date:
ContributorAl_Skiff
ChangesCreated entry with caption, unit associations, aircraft associations and mission associations