492nd Bomb Group

Group
A B-24D Liberator 'Carpetbagger' - extensively modified for specialised operations - taxiis on the perimeter track at Harrington airfield. Printed caption on reverse: 'A Carpetbagger B-24D taxiing on the perimeter at Harrington. Photo - "Red" Monaghan.' media-414497.jpg FRE 8483 A B-24D Liberator 'Carpetbagger' - extensively modified for specialised operations - taxiis on the perimeter track at Harrington airfield. Printed caption on reverse: 'A Carpetbagger B-24D taxiing on the perimeter at Harrington. Photo - "Red" Monaghan.' Roger Freeman Collection

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection

Object Number - FRE 8483 - A B-24D Liberator 'Carpetbagger' - extensively modified for specialised operations - taxiis on the perimeter track at Harrington airfield. Printed...

The 492nd Bomb Group, after flying similar missions to other heavy bomb groups until the late summer of 1944, took up 'Carpetbagger' missions, transporting agents, supplies and propaganda leaflets to southern France. The Group was taking on the role of the 801st Bomb Group (Provisional), which it superseded. In September 1944, the Group was also involved in supplying ground forces with petrol as they moved across France and into Belgium. In a very varied war service, the Group also conducted night bombardments in February and March 1945. The Group then resumed 'Carpetbagger' missions, this time over Germany, winning a Distinguished Unit Citation for their courageous efforts.

Commanding Officers

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 801st Bomb Group 492nd Bomb Group
  • Service Numbers: O-022617
  • Highest Rank: Colonel
  • Role/Job: Commanding Officer, Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 306th Bomb Group 492nd Bomb Group
  • Service Numbers: O-19467
  • Highest Rank: Colonel
  • Role/Job: Commanding Officer; Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 490th Bomb Group 801st Bomb Group 857th Bomb Squadron 492nd Bomb Group
  • Service Numbers: O-363826
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: Headquarters (384th Bomb Group) 492nd Bomb Group
  • Service Numbers: O-395147
  • Highest Rank: Colonel
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Connections

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Unit stations

Station Location Date

Based

Harrington 13 August 1944 - 7 July 1945

Previously was

A Swedish Soldier guards a B-24 Liberator (serial number 44-40159) nicknamed "Boulder Buff" of the 492nd Bomb Group that has landed in Sweden.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Encompassing

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 490th Bomb Group 801st Bomb Group 850th Bomb Squadron 492nd Bomb Group
  • Service Numbers: 31308746
  • Highest Rank: Technician Third Grade
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 467th Bomb Group 801st Bomb Group 788th Bomb Squadron 492nd Bomb Group
  • Service Numbers: 37397901
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 856th Bomb Squadron 492nd Bomb Group
  • Service Numbers: 02072605
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 859th Bomb Squadron 492nd Bomb Group
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 482nd Bomb Group 406th Bomb Squadron 492nd Bomb Group
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator / Gunner

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: - The Blasted Event
  • Unit: 93rd Bomb Group 329th Bomb Squadron 409th Bomb Squadron 858th Bomb Squadron 492nd Bomb Group
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Gunga Din
  • Unit: 486th Bomb Group 833rd Bomb Squadron 835th Bomb Squadron 857th Bomb Squadron 492nd Bomb Group
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Hell's Belle
  • Unit: 487th Bomb Group 839th Bomb Squadron 492nd Bomb Group
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Powerful Katrinka
  • Unit: 34th Bomb Group 493rd Bomb Group 4th Bomb Squadron 857th Bomb Squadron 863rd Bomb Squadron 492nd Bomb Group
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: - Old Blister Butt - Widow
  • Unit: 389th Bomb Group 801st Bomb Group 93rd Bomb Group 328th Bomb Squadron 406th Bomb Squadron 564th Bomb Squadron 566th Bomb Squadron 858th Bomb Squadron 492nd Bomb Group

Revisions

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Removed the nickname from the unit name.

Date
ContributorEmily
Changes
Sources

Air Force Combat Units of WWII

Roger Freeman, The Mighty Eighth

Harrington Museum

492nd Bomb Group: Gallery (36 items)