FRE 1192

IMAGE

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A Flight of B-26 Marauders of the 322nd Bomb Group fly in formation. The aircraft, left to right, are: B-26 (PN-X, serial number 43-34371), B-26 (PN-O serial number 41-31773) nicknamed "Flak Bait", B-26 (PN-D, serial number 41-31822) and B-26 (PN-A, serial number 42-107664) nicknamed Je Reviens( Slug)". Image via Jeremy C Scutts. Printed caption on reverse: '57532 USAF - First Allied bomber in the ETO to complete 200 missions. "Flak Bait" leads other Martin B-26 Marauders of the 322d Bombardment Group to Magdeburg Germany on 17 April 1945, on its 200th sortie. It participated in the pre-invasion aerial offensive, flew 2 missions D-Day and later blasted enemy strong points in front of the Allied ground forces. "Flak Bait" has consumed 157,850 gallons of gasoline and has flown 177,460 miles. Of its total flying hours all have been in combat. It has been punctured by 1,000-odd flak holes. U.S.Air Force Photo.'

Connections

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Units

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

People

A bomber crew of the 322nd Bomb Group with their B-26 Marauder (serial number 41-31773) nicknamed "Flak Bait" celebrate their aircraft's 200th mission. Image via Peter Dole
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 322nd Bomb Group 449th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant (2nd Grade)
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator/Gunner
A bomber crew of the 322nd Bomb Group with their B-26 Marauder (serial number 41-31773) nicknamed "Flak Bait" celebrate their aircraft's 200th mission. Image via Peter Dole
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 322nd Bomb Group 449th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant (2nd Grade)
  • Role/Job: Engineer/Gunner
A bomber crew of the 322nd Bomb Group with their B-26 Marauder (serial number 41-31773) nicknamed "Flak Bait" celebrate their aircraft's 200th mission. Image via Peter Dole
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant

Aircraft

A B-26 Marauder (serial number 41-31773) nicknamed "Flak Bait" of the 322nd Bomb Group. Image via Clarence Lunnemann. Written on slide casing: '"Flak Bait" 200 mission plane, 322nd BG.' Written on duplicate slide: '322BG, Flak Bait Germany, 5/45.'
  • Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder
  • Nicknames: Flak Bait
  • Unit: 322nd Bomb Group 449th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date:
ContributorAAM
ChangesAAM ingest
Sources

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection