VIII Air Support Command 24

17 August 1943

Description

This mission was planned as a diversion for the out-bound B-17s attacking at Schweinfurt. 36 B-26s from the 323BG were despatched to attack the German airfield at Poix (Nord), France, which they did at 1552hrs. 35 of these aircraft were effective on the target. There were no losses or claims but 20 of the aircraft were damaged by anti-aircraft fire. 1 airman was WIA.

Mission Details

POIX

Description: AIRFIELD

Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder

Notes: 387th Bomb Group recalled by fighter escort.

Private First Class Barbara O'Brien of the Womens Army Corps, paints the nose of a B-26 Marauder (YU-Y. serial number 41-34982) nicknamed "Jolly Roger" of the 323rd Bomb Group. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for Publcation 4 Dec 1943.' [stamp] and '295589.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'W.A.C.S. on duty at a Bomber Station. Associated Press Photo shows:- Pfc: Barbara O'Brien painting the Jolly Roger on the nose of a Marauder with the crew looking on.'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: 41.85
  • People wounded in action: 1
  • Aircraft sent: 72
  • Aircraft effective: 35
  • Aircraft damaged: 20

Revisions

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 18-May-2015. Added Mission Narrative based on "The Mighty Eighth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham, 8th Air Force missions research database / Stan Bishop's 'Losses of the US 8th and 9th Air Forces', the Combat Chronology of the US Army Air Forces and the work of Roger Freeman including the 'Mighty Eighth War Diary'.