Ships - The 449th Bomb Group(H)

41-29203

An original cadre ship acquired 28 October ’43 and assigned to Meade’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. Disposition unknown.

Pictures of Star Eyes

Transferred into the 449th on 8 February ’44 and assigned to Wallis L. “Spider” Webb’s crew. This ship flew many combat missions before becoming a static training ship, for gear operation, flaps, bomb-bay door emergency operations, etc. [Note: “Star Dust” was possibly the most photographed ship of the 449th, due to her being used for ground training sessions for both air and ground crews in late ‘44 and early ‘45, while she was minus many parts, from combat damage, and parked by Group Headquarters … thus many persons took crew and various snapshots with ”Star Dust” in the background!]

Pictures of Star Dust

42-51763

A replacement ship. Downed on the Vienna mission of 17 October ’44 with Nelson’s crew aboard. 1 KIA 9 POW. MACR 9318. Name uncertain – MACR states”This a/c had no nickname”

Unknown9

A San Diego built J-CO. Not 42-51553 (J-10-FO) as previously reported.

Pictures of Spirit Of Illinois

41-28760

An early ‘shared pool’ Mickey ship, flew first 449th mission 12 Apr 44.

41-29214

An original cadre ship acquired 26 October ‘44 and assigned to Bird’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. The “Lady” was downed on 25 February ’44 when Bradley’s crew was forced to abandon her over Yugoslavia due to combat damage suffered on the mission to Regensburg, Germany. Before she went down the crew downed 15 enemy fighters. 1 KIA 9 EVD. MACR 2695.

Pictures of Sophisticated Lady

42-52165

A replacement aircraft arriving 19 mar 44 and downed with Roberts’ crew aboard on 23 April ’44 on the mission against the Vienna railroad yards. 5 KIA 5 POW. MACR 4199.

Pictures of Slick Chick

42-95271

This ship was downed by a direct flak burst in the bombbay with Thrailkill’s crew aboard on 7 February ’45. The only survivor was the copilot E. Miller who was blown out by the explosion. The target on that day was the oil refinery at Moosbierbaum, Germany10 KIA 1 POW. MACR 12072.

Pictures of Sleepy Time Gal [#2]

42-7745

An original cadre ship acquired 19 October ‘43 and assigned to Wingfield’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. Crew chief was Fred Ross. She was downed with Wingfield’s crew aboard over Steyr, Austria, on 23 February ’44 by fighters. 7 KIA POW. MACR 2685.

Pictures of Sleepy Time Gal

42-78172

A replacement ship flown overseas from Hamilton AAFB, CA, by Liddycoat’s crew. They arrived at Grottaglie on 5 April ’44. Crashed on night practice mission 10 August 44 with Crossley as pilot of partial crew. 4 DED, 1 Minor injury.

Pictures of Skipper

41-28605

An original cadre ship acquired 9 November ’43 and assigned to Chandler’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. She was downed over Udine, northern Italy, on 30 January ’44 with Chandler’s crew aboard. 6 KIA 5 POW. MACR 2404.

Pictures of Sinner’s Dream

44-40331

A replacement ship received into the 449th on 26 April ’44 after being flown overseas from Hamilton AAFB, CA, by Kinsinger’s crew. “Silver Babe” was the first all-aluminum, silver-colored ship in the 449th versus the olive drab ships. Some crews thought the silver ships would be more attractive to fighters and did not like flying them. Crew chief was Sgt. Arthur Friedman. The “Babe” crashed in the mountains of Yugoslavia after suffering heavy flak damage over the oil refinery at Moosbierbaum, Austria on 11 December ’44. Marrone’s crew all successfully bailed out and were subsequently returned by the Yugoslavian Partisans on 5 Jan ’45. 9 EVD. MACR 10389.

Pictures of Silver Babe

42-95397

Flown overseas by Cunningham’s crew from Roosevelt Field, NY in May ‘44. Named for the pilot’s girlfriend. Completed 101 missions before being flown to the Gioia depot on 29 Apr 45.

Pictures of Shirley Jean

42-64348

Flown overseas by Norm Rogers crew arriving at Grottaglie on 4 April ’44 just in time to hear of the 719th’s losses that day over Bucharest on the first PUC mission. The aircraft was named by the crew bombardier, George Hinds, after Mt. Shasta in northern California. She was downed 12 April ’44 in the Weiner-Neustadt, Austria, target area with Heinbuch crew aboard. 10 POW. MACR 4038.

Pictures of Shasta Shack

42-52243

Transferred to the 449th from the 98th Bomb Group on 20 March ’44. When in the 98th she was named “The Old Shilelegh.” “Shamrock” was downed on 24 May ’44 with Foote’s crew aboard. Possibly same a/c as “Fightin Irish”. 4 KIA, 6 POW. MACR 5370.

Pictures of Shamrock

42-50415

Arrived in the 449th on 6 June ’44 having been flown overseas by Bryan Ross’s crew. The crew R/O painted the nose art. The aircraft crashed 9 July ’44 on Vis by VanSchoor crew.

41-29194

Acquired into the 449th from the 451st Bomb Group on 8 February ’44. Downed over Germany with Knapp’s crew aboard on the 25 February ’44 mission to Regensburg. 6 KIA 4 POW. MACR 2617.

Pictures of Shack? Wolf!

42-7744

An original cadre ship acquired 19 October ’44 and assigned to Morton’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. Downed over Ploesti on 5 May ’44 with Morton’s crew aboard. 4 KIA 6 POW. MACR 4714.

Pictures of Shack Happy

42-52110

An original cadre ship acquired 27 October ‘43 and assigned to Roberts’ crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. Sent to the Gioia Depot for repairs on 2 February ’44 and was subsequently returned to the 716th on 5 May 44. Previously reported as “Slick Chick [1]”.

Pictures of Satin’s Playmates

41-28864

Flown overseas by Rude’s crew from Topeka, KS, arriving in 449th on 12 April ’44. Sent to Gioia Depot in the Fall of ’44.

Pictures of Salty Dog

41-29400

A ship acquired 1 Jan 45 from the 486th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force, 834th Squadron. The 834th was known as the Zodiac squadron with all of its aircraft named after constellations. Flown to the Gioia depot on 29 Apr 45.

Pictures of Sagitarius

41-28596

An original cadre ship acquired 19 October ‘43 and assigned to Bontly crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. “Reluctant Liz” was downed with Bontly’s crew aboard on the first Presidential Unit Citation mission of 4 April ’44 against Bucharest, Romania. 2 KIA 8 POW. MACR 3701.

Pictures of Reluctant Liz

42-7700

An original cadre ship acquired on 21 October ‘43 and assigned to Moore’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. “Ramp Tramp” was downed on the 22 February ’44 mission to Regensburg, Germany, with Moore’s crew aboard. 7 KIA 4 POW. MACR 2613.

Pictures of Ramp Tramp

42-51920

A replacement ship acquired by the 449th on 14 April ’44. On the 27 December ’44 mission against Brenner Pass, “Fearless Fosdick” blew up right in front of “Rag-ADas”. All of the leading edges of the main wing and complete tail assembly of “Rag-A-Das” were burned and blackened severely as well as all forward facing plexiglass windows, thus effectively blinding McGrath’s crew. Instrument flying became immediately necessary, through the bomb run, and the return flight. The upper turret was rotated 180 degrees for the final landing approach at Grottaglie with assistance being provided to the pilots by interphone communication. It was found after landing that all aileron surfaces as well as the surfaces of the vertical stabilizers were burned away. “Rag-A-Das” was flown to the Gioia depot on 29 April ’45.

Pictures of Rag-A-Das

42-78266

“Racy Tomato” arrived in the 449th in April ’44 with Isaac’s crew aboard. She was named by Isaac — a former Disney cartoonist — who painted her nose art. Crew chief was Sgt. Francis Weaver. The ship was reported by several pilots as a “gas hog”, with several landings being made “up the leg of the Italian boot” at Allied airfields when returning from across the Alps. “Racy Tomato” was ditched in the Adriatic Sea, out of fuel, by Orchard’s crew on 25 December ’44 returning from the Innsbruck, Austria mission. 9 KIA. MACR 10915.

Pictures of Racy Tomato

42-64367

A replacement ship arrived 12 April 44. Crash landed on Corsica on 5 July 44 with Haywood’s crew aboard. 1 KIA, 1 seriously injured. Allen crew in January �44. �Queen of Hearts� was salvaged after making an emergency landing with Haywood�s crew aboard on a field on the Island of Corsica while returning from the mission of 5 July �44 against Toulon, France. She suffered severe nose damage in the emergency landing with one crewman KIA and one severely injured. Remainder of crew returned to Grottaglie.

Pictures of Queen Of Hearts

42-64461

Hit by flak over Vienna and went down in Yugoslavia during return flight on 23 Apr 44 with Rouse crew aboard. 1 KIA, 9 EVD. MACR 4200.

Pictures of Queen Bee

44-49403

A replacement aircraft arriving 13 Feb 45. Flown to the Gioia depot on 20 Apr 45.

Pictures of Puss In Boots

42-64462

(Big Time Operator) An original cadre ship acquired 9 November ‘43 and assigned to Oien’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. The “B. T. O.” with Browning’s crew aboard blew up when hit by flak bursts and FW-190 and ME-109 aircraft as she was returning from the 22 February ’44 mission to Regensburg, Germany. 3 KIA 7 POW. MACR 2636.

Pictures of Stinky The B.T.O.

42-52269

A replacement aircraft arriving 20 Mar 44. Downed by flak on mission to Mestre on 7 Apr 44 with Bell’s crew aboard. Last seen preparing to ditch. 10 KIA. MACR 3979.

Pictures of Pugnacious Peggy

42-52106

An original cadre ship acquired 23 October ’43 and assigned to Stephens’ crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. On 29 March ’44, “Sunshine” was damaged by flak over Bolzano, North Italy. Hemphill’s crew elected to try to make it to Switzerland rather than to bail out. However, having difficulty identifying their exact location from the air, they landed at a German held airfield in Venegono, Italy. The entire crew was taken POW. “Sunshine” was taken over by the Luftwaffe propaganda squadron and, after being equipped with Meddo and Berlin type radios, was put to propaganda uses. 10 POW MACR 3715.

Pictures of Sunshine

41-28594

An original cadre ship acquired 20 October ’43 and assigned to Frone crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. “Super Mouse” was downed on 15 January ’44 with Frone’s crew aboard. Four of the crew bailed out prior to the ship ditching in the Adriatic. Two of the men became German POW’s. The other two that bailed out evaded capture. The six others that stayed aboard for the ditching at sea were KIA. Frone’s body was recovered on the beach in March ’44. Identification was from a pocket testament. 6 KIA 2 POW 2 EVD. MACR 2397. Previously identified as “Mighty Mouse” until photos were found with the correct name.

Pictures of Supermouse

42-7747

An original cadre ship acquired 9 November ‘43 and assigned to Captain Councill, the 719th Squadron Commanding Officer. “Pudgy II”, with her entire crew of 14 souls, was lost on the overseas movement when it crashed on 8 December ’43 into a mountain top in the Atlas Mountain range of Northwest Africa while attempting a severe weather penetration. 14 DED.

Pictures of Pudgy II

42-78479

A replacement ship assigned to Alexander’s crew and acquired into the 449th on 17 July ’44. The ship was named for the pilot’s wife. Crew chief was Sgt. Tony Lapelle. The “Princess” was downed on 16 November ’44 with Austin’s crew aboard. 11 KIA. MACR 9896.

Pictures of Princess Helen

42-52136

An original cadre ship acquired 20 October ’43 and assigned to Starr’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. All ten members of Starr’s crew aboard this ship were KIA when she was one of the three ships lost in the mid-air combat collision over Steyr, Austria, on 2 April ’44. The other two ships involved in this collision were “Peerless Clipper” and “Miss Behavin.” 10 KIA. MACR 3995.

Pictures of Superstitious Al-O-Ysius

42-52396

A replacement ship that arrived into the 449th on 3 March ’44. Flown and named by Weimer’s crew. She was named for the pilot’s daughter, Susan Jane … but the nose artist erroneously used the letter ”Z” in spelling the name. “Suzan Jane” was downed on the 29 May ’44 mission to Weiner-Neustadt, Austria, with Henggeler’s crew aboard. All but the two pilots were from Lawrence crew. The bombardier was from A. K. Brown crew. 2 KIA 8 POW. MACR 5458.

Pictures of Suzan Jane

44-40265

A replacement ship flown overseas by Leo Baughman crew arriving into the 449th in April ’44. Named by the crew pilot because he was from the swampy area of Georgia. Downed over Ploesti with Blanton crew aboard on 15 July 44. 10 POW. MACR 7100.

41-29309

Are placement ship that was transferred from the 456th Bomb Group into the 449th in the Spring of ’44. The ship was salvaged due to battle damage on 11 August ’44.

Pictures of Sweeet Mother

Sweeet Mother takeoff accident 4 May 44, Eaton

42-51757

A replacement ship flown overseas by Charnes crew in September ’44. The nose art never got painted on the ship. The aircraft suffered severe flak damage with Witt crew aboard over Vienna, Austria, on 17 October ’44. The pilot, copilot and flight engineer were killed while attempting an emergency landing on the Isle of Vis after the rest of the crew had been ordered to bail out. The crew members that bailed out were subsequently returned to Grottaglie. 3 KIA 7 RTN. No MACR.

41-28597

An original cadre ship acquired 19 October ‘43 and assigned to Dale Rogers’ crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. Downed over Brasov, Romania, on 16 April ‘44 with Rogers crew aboard. 1 KIA, 9 POW. MACR 4385.

Pictures of Pistol Packin’ Mamma

42-52146

An original cadre ship acquired 1 November ’43 and assigned to Gil Bradley’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. Downed on the 22 February ’44 Regensburg mission with Bird’s crew aboard. 10 POW. MACR 2712. Pieces of the ship were found in 1983 and members of the crew attended a meeting in Austria with the pilot they shot down – and who also had downed them — in an exchange of post-war friendships.

Pictures of Pistol Packin’ Mama

42-64354

A replacement ship acquired into the 449th on 20 March ’44. Downed 15 July ’44 with John E. Scroggs’ crew aboard. All ten crew members evaded with help from the Yugoslavian “Chetnik” forces of Marshall Mihaolovich and were returned in Operation Halyard. MACR 07056.

Pictures of Peerless Clipper [#2]

41-29216

A B-24H model purchased by the employees of the Peerless Woolen Mills, Chattanooga, TN. The “Clipper” was an original cadre ship acquired 21 October ’43 and assigned to Sies’ crew who flew her overseas in December ’43 arriving at Grottaglie on 2 January ’44. The “Clipper” was lost on 2 April ’44 with Kury’s crew aboard when three aircraft collided over Steyr, Austria. 11 KIA. MACR 4024.

Pictures of Peerless Clipper

41-29590

A replacement ship arriving 18 Apr 44. The nose gunner on McFain’s crew, Robert Eminizer, painted the nose art showing a steel helmet with two eyes “peeping” out, with G.I. shoes. “Peepy” went down on 13 October ’44 returning from a mission to Vienna, Austria, when Blaney’s eleven-man crew was forced to bail out over the Adriatic Sea. 3 were KIA and 8 were rescued by a Catalina flying boat of the Air Sea Rescue Command. MACR 13505.

Pictures of Peepy

42-7165

(Things are really fouled up). A stateside B-24D model training ship with tail number 12. Flown at Alamogordo AAFB, NM, during 449th training phase. No combat.

Pictures of Tarfu

42-78341

(name taken from one of the characters of the “Lil Abner” comic strip). A replacement ship received into the 449th on 5 May ’44. Crew chief was Sgt. Edmund Dickman. The “Critter” was downed on the 9 July ’44 Presidential Unit Citation mission to Ploesti. Drigger’s crew bailed out over Yugoslavia. They were initially reported as POW but actually successfully evaded with the aid of the local Chetniks. MACR 7011.

Pictures of Th’ Inhoomin Critter

41-29307

A replacement ship arriving 4 February ‘44 from Chatham AAF, Savannah, GA. Crew Chief was Sgt. Bart Peluso. Adopted by Norm Rogers crew. Peluso named her after seeing his ship fly a “buzz job” over the runway on a test flight! The “Buzzer” got in at least 77 sorties and had flown 41 consecutive missions without a turn back. In the Fall of ‘44 the ship was retired from combat and converted to perform administrative support flights. She was de-armed by removal of all turrets and guns. The open fuselage areas were covered with sheet metal and seating for passengers was installed. In December ‘44 she was lost on a ferry flight to Naples with Caldwell’s minimum crew aboard plus 11 passengers, most of whom were 50-mission men being ferried to Naples for a boat ride home. Many search flights were made but failed to locate the lost aircraft. A 1970 rumor of her going down in the seabay area of Naples proved false. The aircraft had actually been found in the April/May time frame in 1945 in a mountain crevasse southeast of Naples after a local Italian report to the Allied authorities in Naples. All aboard had been recovered by units of the Graves Registration Teams. This ended the long and mysterious searching for the crew and those aboard. Former ball gunner Ben Yedlin of Rogers’ 719th crew followed up with a complete personal investigation meeting the Italian residents and contacting the families of the men lost on the flight to put the story to rest. MACR 10576.

44-40482

Transferred into the 449th on 23 February ’45 from the 8th Air Force, 34th Bomb Group, 18th Squadron. Replacement aircraft for the “Buzzer.” The “Wagon” was flown to the Gioia depot on 29 April ’45.

Pictures of The Dugan Wagon II

42-7708

An original aircraft delivered to Bruning 15 Oct. ’43, and assigned to Drinan’s crew. Crashed and burned on an emergency landing during a practice flight, 7/17/44. 1 DED.

Pictures of The Heavenly Body

42-94837

A replacement ship received into the 449th on 9 February ’45 from the 8th Air Force, 490th Bomb Group, 848th Squadron. Flown to the Gioia Depot on 29 April ’45 at end of combat. Salvaged 3 August ’45.

Pictures of The Jinx

42-94977

A replacement ship that arrived into the 449th on 18 April ’44. “The Shack” was declared War Weary 15 March ’45. Salvaged on 7 August ‘45.

Pictures of The Shack

42-52155

An original cadre ship acquired 9 November ’43 and assigned to Gentry’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. The crew originally intended to name her “Lil Lassie”. However, after noting that flak repairs had made many patches on her wings and fuselage, the name “Patches” was agreed upon. Destroyed on crash landing, 8/6/44 with Mahoney crew aboard, salvaged 8/7/44.

Pictures of Patches

42-52107

An original cadre ship acquired 29 October ’43 and assigned to Juetter’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. On 23 February ’44 — with Jeutter’s crew aboard — this ship crashed on takeoff. The full bomb load was salvoed right beneath the aircraft with several blowing up causing complete damage to the ship and killing all 10 crewmen in the subsequent crash.

Pictures of The Temptress

44-50845

An aircraft transferred from the 450th Bomb Group on 12 March ’45. Flown to the Gioia Depot on 29 April ’45

Pictures of Pardon Me

41-28616

An original cadre ship acquired 28 October ‘43 and assigned to Kinerd’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. This ship, with Kinerd’s crew aboard, suffered severe combat damage on the mission of 22 February ’44 to Regensburg, Germany. The crew managed to keep her airborne until they reached southern Italy where they bailed out just north of Bari. Kinerd was injured during the bailout and was subsequently returned to U.S. Remainder of the crew was returned to combat duty. No MACR.

Pictures of The Wise Virgin

42-7691

An original ship acquired 15 October ’43 and assigned to Garrison’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. “Paper Doll” went down on 4-4-44 with her originally assigned crew on the first Presidential Unit Citation mission against the Bucharest marshalling yard. 7 KIA 3 POW. MACR 3703.

Pictures of Paper Doll

41-29274

A replacement ship arriving 20 Mar 44. Kinerd’s co-pilot, Dacey, became crew pilot of this ship in the 716th Squadron. This aircraft completed at least 33 sorties into the fall of ’44. Disposition unknown.

Pictures of The Wise Virgin II

42-78604

A replacement aircraft arriving early August 44. Crashed near base with damaged controls on return from Ploesti 18 Aug 44 with Watson crew aboard. 6 KIA.

42-52091

An original cadre ship acquired on 20 October ‘43 and assigned to Fees’ crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. Crew chief was Sgt. Kahn. “Things Is Rough” completed at least 53 sorties before being sent to the Gioia depot for repair. Disposition unknown.

Pictures of Things is Rough

42-7623

An original cadre ship acquired 15 October ’43 and assigned to Ridgeway’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. The “Babe” went down with Ridgeway’s crew aboard on the mission of 24 March ’44 against Steyr Austria – 6 KIA 4 POW. MACR 3469. [Note: A bond drive in Alpena, Michigan raised the money to “buy this bomber.” Thunder Bay is on Lake Huron, Alpena, Michigan.]

Pictures of Thunder Bay Babe

42-78273

A replacement aircraft that arrived into the 449th on 3 July ’44. Named by Aldrich crew. The replacement for “Our Baby” was given the last name “TOO,” rather than using the Roman numeral “II”. She was flown to Gioia Depot on 29 April ’45.

Pictures of Our Baby Too

42-78510

A B-24J replacement ship that arrived in 449th in October 44. Replaced 42-51950. “Touch Me Not” came to be used as a Lead ship. She lasted out the war and was flown to the Gioia Depot on the ferry Mission 255 on 29 April ‘45.

Pictures of Touch Me Not

41-29428

Flown overseas by Widness crew arriving at Grottaglie on 14 February ‘44. The nose art was painted by the crew nose gunner Joe Schindelman. Her crew chief was O. O. Jones. “Our Baby” went down 14 July ’44 on the Budapest mission with Geisert crew aboard. 2 KIA, 8 POW. MACR 6823.

Pictures of Our Baby

41-29512

A replacement ship arriving 18 Apr 44. Downed with C. White’s crew aboard on the 5 May ’44 mission to Ploesti. 3 KIA 7 POW. MACR 4667.

Pictures of Troop Sleeper

Troop Sleeper on a practice mission

41-29584

Jerry Scroggs crew picked up this aircraft in Topeka, KS, on 17 March ’44 and flew her overseas arriving at Grottaglie on 2 April ’44. The aircraft got in 93 combat sorties before being flown to Gioia Depot for repairs.

Pictures of One Night Stand

42-95314

Flown overseas by Collins’ crew in May ’44. Crashed near base on a formation practice flight with Dale Williard as pilot 4 Dec 44. 6 DED.

Pictures of Twinkletoes

42-64388

Acquired August ’44. Severely damaged on the Vienna mission of 13 October ‘44 with Fiordaliso’s crew aboard. They made an emergency landing on the Isle of Vis just off the Yugoslavian coast. MACR 9216. Two crewmen who bailed out before the landing on Vis were taken POW. The ship was condemned and salvaged on 1 December ’44. 2 POW, 8 RTD. MACR 9216.

Pictures of Ole Faithful

42-52117

An original cadre ship acquired 27 October ‘43 and assigned to Fergus’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. Downed on the mission of 29 May ’44 to Weiner-Neustadt, Austria, with Fergus’s crew aboard. 10 POW. MACR 5461.

Article about Two Ton Tessie at Historynet

Pictures of Two Ton Tessie

44-40321

A replacement ship transferred into the 449th on 12 February ’45 from 8th Air Force, 493rd Bomb Group. Flown to Gioia Depot on 29 April ’45 by Copping crew. “For Men Only” is the name of the magazine in the nose art.

Pictures of Old Sack/For Men Only

42-51327

A replacement ship arriving 11 Aug 44. Disposition unknown. Not 41-28902.

Pictures of Umbriago

42-52170

An original cadre ship acquired 10 November ’43 and assigned to McInvale’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. Ground crewman was Richard Daum. She flew 36 sorties. Downed on the Belgrade mission of 18 May ’44 with Hubbard crew with McInvale as IP. All 9 aboard evaded. MACR 5060.

Pictures of Old Ironsides

42-78158

Flown overseas by Haywood’s crew arriving in 449th on 18 March ’44. Disposition unknown.

Pictures of Valiant Virgin-ia

42-52150

Pictures of Veni, Vidi, Vici

41-28866

A replacement ship replacing her namesake. Downed on the mission to Vienna, Austria, on 13 October ‘44 with Mealey’s crew aboard. (Mealey changed his name to O’Malley after the war.) Also aboard was the Flight Surgeon Capt. Leslie Caplan. Capt. Caplan and 8 others were taken POW. The navigator and the nose gunner — both having suffered broken legs during the parachute jump — were rescued by Partisans and were returned to hospitals in Italy. 9 POW, 2 EVD. MACR 9317. After the war, Capt. Caplan received national honors for his medical treatment to POWs during imprisonment and a long death march.

Pictures of Nancy Jane [#2]

41-28833

Flown overseas by Harton’s crew arriving at at Grottaglie on 8 April ’44. Named for Harton’s wife. The new ship was adopted by Group Headquarters as a lead ship. She was downed on 13 April ’44 over Budapest with Rustad crew aboard, hit by bombs of the 376th BG flying overhead. 10 KIA. MACR 4096.

42-52745

Pictures of Virgin Vampire

41-29432

A replacement aircraft arrived into the 449th on 1 July ’44. Flying on two engines with the other two barely helping, “My Achin’ Back” made an emergency landing on the beach, near Loreto, Italy, (just south of the German held territory) with Mason’s crew aboard on 12 September ’44 scattering Italian bathers. The ship was recovered by a 15th Air Force maintenance team and subsequently returned to the 449th. Still flyin in Feb 45. Not 42-52434.

42-51122

A Mickey ship arriving July 44 and flown to the Gioia depot 29 Apr 45 at the end of combat. Was #59 on 7 Aug 44. Was renumbered to #42 by 29 Apr 45.

42-99816

A replacement ship arriving 4 Apr 44. Sent to the Depot 20 September 44. Transferred to the 451st BG 1 January 45.

Pictures of Weary Willie

41-28606

An original cadre ship acquired 27 October ’43 and assigned to Pickard’s crew who flew her overseas in December ‘43. The ship with Pickard’s crew aboard was downed over Mostar, Yugoslavia, on 14 January ’44. She was hit by bombs dropped from another B-24 overhead in the formation. 9 KIA 2 POW. MACR 2070.

White Fang

44-41071

A replacement ship arriving 12 July 44 and flown to the Gioia depot on 29 Apr 45 at the end of combat.

41-28845

One of the first radar equipped Mickey ships in the 449th. Flew its first mission 5 Apr 44. This aircraft served as lead ship on many missions. Crew chief was Sgt. Henderson. Declared war weary on 9 Feb 45.

Pictures of Miss N Moan

42-52682

Ex 8th AF 486th BG 832th BS, 13 Jan 45 transfered to MTO. Suffered severe flak damage on 28 Feb 45 mission to Isarco/Albes, Italy with Blair crew aboard. Salvaged.

Pictures of Wild Honey

42-7750

An original cadre ship acquired 20 October ’43 and assigned to Woods’ crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. Her nose art, initially, revealed a swinging axe beheading Hitler, with the heads of Mussolini and Tojo lying close by! Headquarters requested the falling head be removed from the nose art (too gory) which was later done. The “Chopper” crashed on near base, out of fuel from combat damage, at Grottaglie on 2 July ’44 with Kirkland’s crew aboard. 3 KIA and others survived.

Pictures of Woods Chopper

42-7737

An original cadre ship acquired 18 October ’43 and assigned to Isgrigg’s crew who flew her overseas inDecember ’43. The ship, originally named “Miss Leeding” but changed by popular agreement, was named for the wife of the crew pilot (Isgrigg). Crew chief was John Booth. “Miss Lee” was downed with Sullivan’s crew aboard on the 26 June ’44 mission against Vienna, Austria. 1 KIA, 9 EVD. MACR 6443

42-51639

A replacement aircraft flown overseas by Wilde crew in late October or very early November ‘44. The aircraft was named for J. Ziomek’s daughter who was born during the flight of Wilde’s crew overseas. “Miss Judy” was downed on 8 November ’44 with Mason crew aboard on the mission to Sjenica, Yugoslavia. 10 EVD. MACR 9714.

42-78173

A replacement ship that Blomgren’s crew picked up at Hamilton Field, CA, and flew overseas arriving at Grottaglie on 3 April ’44. “Worrybird” suffered severe combat damage, requiring three engine changes. The repair work took two days and two nights of steady work to complete. After the repairs were completed and she was being readied for a test flight, she was taxied into a deep mud hole, damaging the right gear strut and tearing a large hole in the wing. 11 Aug 44 taxi accident.

Pictures of Worrybird

42-78125

Acquired as a replacement ship on 15 April ’44. Completed at least 40 missions, and lasted out the war being salvaged 10 May ’45.

42-52086

An original cadre ship acquired 31 October ’43 and assigned to Hal Loughran’s crew who flew her overseas in December ‘43. “Miss Behavin” was one of the three aircraft involved in the mid-air combat collision over Steyr, Austria, on 2 April ’44. The other two aircraft involved in this collision were “Peerless Clipper” and “Superstitious Aloyysius.” Fetting crew with Geminder as Instructor Pilot. 9 KIA, 1 POW MACR 4025. F/E Mark Schneider was the only person aboard the three ships involved in the midair collision to survive.

Pictures of Miss Behavin

42-94794

A replacement ship received from the 8th Air Force, 490th Bomb Group, 849th Squadron. Previously in 8th AF 34th BG 18th BS as BACHELOR’S BABY. Transfered to MTO 5 Dec 44. Arrived in the 449th on 18 January ’45. She was flown to the Gioia Depot on ferry Mission 255 on 29 April ’45

42-7762

An original cadre ship acquired 31 October ’43 and assigned to Rasbach’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. Crew chief was Caleb Hogshed. Assistant crew chief was Edmund Dickman. As a result of combat damage Rasbach crew made an emergency landing at Foggia on 2 April ’44 returning from a mission to Steyr, Austria. The aircraft was subsequently salvaged.

Pictures of Rugged Curse

42-64394

A replacement ship arrival 3 Apr 44. Downed on the 5 May ’44 Ploesti mission with Jacobson crew aboard. 11 POW. MACR 04665.

Pictures of Miss Bea Haven

42-64368

A replacement ship flown overseas from Mitchell Field, Long Island, NY by Ivers’ crew arriving into the 449th on 20 March’44. The nose art was painted by the crew R/O Engle who was killed when “Holy Joe” crash-landed.

Pictures of Mis-Chief

42-51902

A replacement ship flown overseas from Grenier AFB, NH, in August ’44. Assigned to Trumbull crew. Trumbull’s crew placed the various proposed names in a hat and drew one out. The name proposed by F/E Tris Carta was drawn from the hat. Flown to the Gioia depot on 29 Apr 45 at the end of combat.

42-52172

An original cadre ship acquired 9 November ’43, named and flown overseas by Bryce Gray crew in December ‘43. This ship completed at least twenty-three missions before being downed with Tyler’s crew aboard on the 4-4-44 Bucharest Presidential Unit Citation mission against the Bucharest marshalling yard. 10 KIA. MACR 3699.

Pictures of Miasis Dragon

42-52104

An original cadre ship acquired 1 November �43, and assigned to Powers� crew who flew her overseas in December �43. Crash landed at Manduria 5/24/1944 with Beale crew aboard. Returned 20 July 44 and renumbered to 66. Salvaged 8/16/45.

Pictures of Maw Stricknine

41-28623

An original cadre ship acquired 10 November ‘43. Flown overseas by Colonel Alkire in December ’43, becoming the first 449th ship to land in Italy on 18 December ‘43. Named for Colonel Alkire’s wife who was Hawaiian born. The aircraft was scrapped after receiving a crushed nose due to running into an embankment on 30 January ‘44 with Thiemes’ crew aboard.

Pictures of Maui Maid

42-40071

Ex 8th AF 44BG 68th BS. Flew TIDAL WAVE. Aquired September 44 and used in 449th as utility ship.

Pictures of Margaret Ann II

42-52092

Acquired by 449th on 9 February ‘44 as replacement ship for same named ship. Downed over Anzio beachhead on the mission against Cisterna with Kury crew aboard on 2 March ’44. Kury’s crew bailed out successfully, but two of the crew landed in German held territory and were taken POW. 8 RTD. MACR 3168.

Pictures of Lurchin Urchin [#2]

41-29223

An original cadre ship acquired 28 October ‘43 and assigned to Kury’s crew who flew her overseas in December ‘43. The “Urchin” went down on 31 January ‘44 over the Aviano Airdrome, Northern Italy, as the Group Lead ship with Colonel Darr Alkire, 449th Group Commander, aboard. Colonel Alkire and 7 others were taken POW, 3 KIA. MACR 2403.

42-7761

(Spanish for “The Wolves”). An original cadre ship acquired 25 October ‘43 and assigned to Polink’s crew who flew her overseas in December ‘43. The crew co-pilot, Ringle, painted the nose art. “Los Lobos” was flown on eight missions by Polink’s crew. On her ninth mission on 10 February ’44 with Zimmerman’s crew aboard, she was damaged severely on an early return when attempting a downwind landing with a load of fragmentation bombs aboard.

Pictures of Los Lobos

42-51652

A replacement ship that arrived into 449th on 24 August ’44. Named after the original cadre ship of the same name but adding the question mark because all of the crew were single men. This aircraft was flown to the Gioia Depot on the ferry mission number 255 on 29 April ‘45. Returned Stateside 30 Jun 45.

Pictures of Lonesome?

LONESOME? (#14) with OUR BABY TOO in background

42-7732

An original cadre ship acquired 19 October 1943 and assigned to Geisel crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. “Lonesome” completed 53 combat mission before being sent to Gioia Depot after the 6 August 44 mission.

Pictures of LONESOME

42-78422

A replacement ship received 17 July 44. Crashed during pilot check flight 1 Aug 44, Vincent Gaudy, pilot – John Carter Instructor pilot. 4 DED

Pictures of Lil Jo Toddy [#2]

42-99856

A replacement ship that was named by John Scroggs crew at Hamilton AAF, CA, prior to being flown overseas in April ’44 Scroggs’ crew. “Lil Jo” was received into 449th on 6 April ‘44. Damaged on bad landing 6 July 44. Salvaged 9 July ’44.

Pictures of Lil Jo Toddy

42-64363

A replacement ship acquired by 449th on 2 April ’44. Crew chief was Sgt. Bob Wells. Salvaged on 22 February ’45 due to combat damage.

Pictures of Lil Butch

42-52760

Ex 8th AF, 486th BG. A replacement ship 2 February ’45. Flown to the Gioia Depot on 29 April ‘45. Salvaged 15 August ‘45.

Pictures of Lady Lightnin’

42-95286

A replacement ship acquired into the 449th on 21 May ’44. Downed by flak on the Brenner Pass mission of 28 December ‘44 with the Willding crew aboard. Crew bailed out with 1 KIA, 3 landing in German held territory to become POW’s, and the others landing in Allied territory and being returned to duty. MACR 10891

Pictures of Lady In The Dark

42-78576

Received into 449th 3 August ’44. Adopted by J. Miller crew. Same ground crew as the first two “Kayo” aircraft. This one flew at least 86 sorties and joined the 449th aircraft ferried to Gioia Depot on mission 255 on 29 April ‘45. Salvaged 10 August ’45.

42-99849

The first of three ships named “Kayo.” Acquired by 449th on 6 April ’44. All were crewed by Sgt. John Elza, assistant crew chief. Crashed on 21 May ’44 on a ferry flight with J. W. Brown as the pilot while returning a stranded crew to base that had landed at another field. Also aboard was ground crew member John Firth, mechanic, who went along to take a short flight in a B-24.

Pictures of Kayo [#1]

42-52126

An original cadre ship acquired 28 October ’43 and assigned to Woltkamp crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. The ship was named for the crew bombardier’s wife, Mrs. Raymond Wade. “Juanita” was downed by fighters on 16 January ’44 over Trieste, Yugoslavia with Woltkamp crew aboard. Believed to be the first 449th aircraft downed by enemy fighters. 5 KIA and 5 POW. MACR 2325.

Pictures of Juanita

42-78503

From 454BG, 736BS

Pictures of Jodey

42-52751

Ex 486th BG, Ex 34th BG, Ex 493th BG, transfered to MTO 14 Dec 44. Received minor damage in a takeoff accident on 2/5/45. Flown to Gioia depot on 29 Apr 45 at the end of combat.

Pictures of Jane’s Wittle Wabbit

42-78195

A replacement ship received into the 449th on 1 May ’44. Downed with Depuy crew aboard on 19 February ’45 on mission against Vienna. 10 KIA. MACR 12452.

42-78285

Ex 450th BG. Landing accident on 6 Dec 44 when nose gear failed. Suffered similar accident on 2 Aug 44 while in 450th when the nose gear lock mechanism failed.

Pictures of Illegal Eagle

41-29003

Flown overseas by Hoyt’s crew in May ’44. Destroyed in crash landing on island of Vis on 17 Aug 44 returning from Ploesti with Mellor’s crew aboard.

Pictures of Hot To Go

41-29218

An original cadre ship acquired 22 October ‘43 and assigned to Petz’s crew who flew her overseas in December ‘43. Ground crewmen were Murphy and J. Menard. “Hot Rock” completed at least forty missions with at least three enemy fighters to her credit. After several combat missions, she developed some odd flying characteristics. After repeated write-ups by various crews, she was sent to the Gioia maintenance depot in June 44 where a bullet was found lodged in the wing root, thus accounting for the “out of trim” flying attitude. “Hot Rock” was repaired and reassigned to another 15th Air Force bomb group. She lasted out the war and was salvaged on 3 June ’45 after being flown back to the U.S. by another 15th Air Force bomb group crew – one of the very few original cadre ships to last out the war.

Pictures of Hot Rock

41-28600

A replacement aircraft that arrived 8 Feb 44. Crashed near Split, Yugoslavia on 26 July 44 with Stewart/Bills crew aboard after flak damage over Graz, Austria. 1 KIA, 3 POW, 8 EVD. MACR 7340. Previously reported as “Bucket of Bolt [1]”.

Pictures of Hoppy

41-29452

A replacement aircraft that flew its first 449th mission on 17 Feb 44. Reportedly called “Honey on the Moon” by the McLeod crew. No known photo showing this name or nose art. Renamed “Bomb Boogie” in Summer of ’44.

Pictures of Honey on the Moon/Bomb Boogie

Unknown8

Not 42-78372 which was NMF G-16-NT, as previously reported.

Pictures of Honey Chile

42-50282

Acquired into 449th on 1 April ’44. Downed 16 April ‘44 on the Brasov, Romania mission with Minor’s crew aboard. 1 KIA, 9 POW. MACR 4042.

41-29225

An original cadre ship acquired 1 November ’43 and assigned to Fowler’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. On her 18th sortie on 29 March ‘44, “Holy Joe” crashed on takeoff with Ivers’ crew aboard – 2 killed, 2 grounded permanently, and the others returned to fly other combat.

Pictures of Holy Joe [#1]

41-28972

A replacement ship received into the 449th on 18 April ’44. Downed 26 May ’44 with Warner’s crew aboard on the mission to Nice in southern France. 10 KIA. MACR 5435.

42-99803

Arrived at Grottaglie on 12 April ’44 with Johnson’s crew. Named for crew F/E McGowen. Ground crew chief was Sgt. Joseph Gaus. Sent to the Depot on 13 September ’44 and returned to the 449th on 1 March 45. This ship lasted out the war and was flown to Gioia depot on 29 April ’45 by Bornemeir. She was subsequently ferried back to the U.S.

Pictures of Hey Mac

42-52166

An original cadre ship acquired 9 November ‘43 and assigned to Staley’s crew who flew her overseas in December ‘43. “Hells-A-Poppin” went down with Temchulla’s crew aboard on 16 April ’44 on the Brasov, Romania mission. 3 KIA, 7 POW. MACR 4039.

Pictures of Hells-A-Poppin

42-50406

Acquired 26 May ’44. Crew chief was T/Sgt Adam Yellitz. Initially assigned to Don Eaton’s crew. Eaton named her “Headin’ Home” – the goal for the men of the 449th. This ship flew at least 96 sorties and was one of the sixty 449th aircraft flown to the Gioia depot on 29 April ’45 when the 449th was removed from the combat line. She was later ferried back across the Atlantic to the USA by another bomb group crew.

Pictures of Headin’ Home

Tail shot by Ju-88

Eaton crew looking at tire shot out by flak

41-29237

An original cadre ship that never saw combat with the 449th. While being flown overseas by Zimmerman’s crew, this aircraft was “bounced” off a mountain top on 12 December ’43 while making an instrument approach to Borinquen Air Field, Puerto Rico. As a result, the landing gear collapsed after completion of the landing roll! The crew was re-routed to Italy, and the ship remained at Borinquen for recycling and repair. This ship was re-worked and transferred to the 304th Bomb Wing, 459th Bomb Group, 757th Squadron. The 757th renamed the ship “Tamberlane II”.

Pictures of Hassen The Assassin

41-28621

An original cadre ship acquired 6 November ’43. Assigned to Harper’s crew. Flown overseas by Harper’s crew with 718th Squadron Commander William (Bill) Nosker in December ’43. Crew chief was Dominic Cafarellie. The “Ferry” completed at least 86 sorties and was reported to be still in combat in December ’44. On 16 August ’45 the “Ferry” was salvaged, thus being one of the few original aircraft known to last out the war.

Pictures of Harpers Ferry

41-28755

A ‘shared pool’ Mickey ship. Went to 464th BG

Pictures of Hard Hearted Hannah

42-7715

An original cadre ship acquired 15 October ’43, and assigned to Woodle’s crew who flew her overseas in December ‘43. She was downed on the 22 February ‘44 Regensburg mission with Woodle’s crew aboard. 11 POW. MACR 03174.

Pictures of Guardian Angel

42-64389

A replacement ship acquired 1 April ‘44. She flew at least 50 missions before being downed on the Brenner Pass mission on 29 December ‘44 with Blakeley’s crew aboard. Blakeley’s crew apparently had become disoriented after a severe weather penetration. 11 KIA. MACR 10913.

Pictures of Gremlins Delight

Unknown7

Flown and named by Trumbull crew. Nose art – an armor covered turkey buzzard – was drawn by Trumbull. No further information known.

Pictures of Great Iron Bird

41-28846

A replacement ship flown overseas by Robert Anderson crew arriving at Grottaglie on 2 April ’44. Name originated at the Dakar, Africa, stopover airfield where the local natives called good luck charms “Gidi, Gidi,” so the crew adopted these words as the name for the ship and added the words “Boom, Boom.” “Gidi Gidi” with Anderson crew aboard was downed on the 24 June ’44 mission to Ploesti. 10 POW. MACR 6403.

Pictures of Gidi Gidi Boom Boom

42-52140

An original cadre ship acquired 31 October ’42, named by Browning’s crew and flown overseas by that crew in December ’43. Named for the cocktail lounge in the Continental Hotel, Kansas City, Mo., that was the “hangout” of many crew members and their wives and sweethearts prior to the overseas assignment. Crew chief was Arthur Friedman. “Ghost” was downed on the PortoMarghera mission of 9 June ‘44 with Collins’ crew aboard. 1 EVD, 10 POW. MACR 6314.

Pictures of Ghost O’ The Omar

Unknown6

Jack Jenny crew flew her overseas arriving in September ‘44. The ship was radar equipped and used by several lead crews. Crew chief was Sgt. Robert Jackson. Ford built ‘L’ or ‘M’ model, possibly 44-49047, #39.

Pictures of Forever Amber

Unknown5

Reportedly named after two members of Foote’s crew – the copilot, Madigan, and the bombardier, Murphy. Probably same a/c as SHAMROCK, 42-52243. Foote crew flew 42-52243 on 13 sorties and was downed in that a/c.

Pictures of Fightin’ Irish

42-52550

Acquired 1 March ’44 from the 464th Bomb Group, 755th Squadron. She was knocked down by flak on the Porto Marghera mission of 9 June ‘44 with Weeks’ crew aboard. Rierson was IP.1 KIA, 10 POW. MACR 6313.

Pictures of Fickle Finger

42-51375

Acquired 4 October ’44 and assigned to A. D. Allen crew. While flying a mission against Brenner Pass in northern Italy on 27 December ’44 with Dalrymple’s crew aboard she received a direct flak burst. Only the two pilots and the radio operator survived. The pilots squeezed out of the damaged aircraft through the pilot’s windows and the radio operator was blown out as the ship disintegrated. All three landed on separate mountain tops and subsequently became POWs. As recently as 1985 when Dalrymple made a visit to the area the villagers still remembered the incident! 7 KIA, 3 POW. MACR 10743.

Pictures of Fearless Fosdick

42-7756

An original cadre ship acquired on 25 October ‘43 at Bruning, Nebraska, and assigned to Stewart’s crew who flew her overseas in December ‘43. Crew chief was Joseph F. Skalak. Her nose art was painted by Tom Pacette, a 718th mechanic, who copied her name and picture from a Franklin Aircraft Magazine engine advertisement. After several combat missions, she was severely damaged in a taxiing accident on 25 March ‘44, with her right main strut rupturing and the aircraft deemed irreparable, thus becoming one of the first aircraft to be salvaged for combat spare parts.

Pictures of Everybody’s Baby

42-95269

Picked up at Lincoln, Nebraska and flown overseas in June ‘44 by Bryan’s crew with a call sign of EQ99 for that flight … hence the phonetic name of “Easy Queen” was adopted as the aircraft name. The crew painted the name on in Dakar, Africa, en route to Italy. She was downed over the Ferrara railroad bridge on 29 August ‘44 with Bryan’s crew aboard and Bill Bolt as CP. All 11 men taken German POW. MACR 8331.

Pictures of Easy Queen

44-41119

A replacement ship arriving August 44 and flown to the Gioia Depot on 29 Apr 45 at the end of combat. Flew 98 missions.

42-7741

An original cadre ship acquired 15 October ’43 and assigned to Knapp’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. Crashlanded at Bari, Italy, on 14 January ’44 returning from Mostar, Yugoslavia, with Kendall as pilot on his first mission and with Knapp’s crew aboard. Ship salvaged same date.

Unknown4

Early block olive drab J-CO or CF. Not 44-40265, NMF B24J-195-CO. Name was possibly on the right side of “Miss Chief”, 42-64368.

Pictures of Dry Run

41-28647

A replacement ship acquired 4 February ’44. Transferred into 719th Squadron from 460th BG, 761st Squadron. Crash landed in Yugoslavia with Olson’s crew aboard on 12 April ‘44 as a result of combat damage suffered on mission to Wiener-Neustadt target. Ten EVD. MACR 4030.

Pictures of Dragon Lady [#2]

42-52134

An original cadre ship acquired 17 November ’43 and flown overseas by Olson’s crew in December ‘43. She was “pranged” into a stone wall by Morton’s crew on 22 February ‘44 when landing on return from the Regensburg mission with battle damage. Crew Chief was William Cover.

Pictures of Dragon Lady [#1]

42-99770

An early replacement ship acquired 4 May ’44. Flown overseas by Claybaugh crew. Sgt. Buchsbaum was on ground crew. Carried combat #61 until it landed at Foggia 7/19/44 with battle damage. Upon return to 449th on 5 Oct, it was renumbered to #77. The “Waggin” crashlanded, cartwheeling, on approach to Grottaglie Field, out of fuel, on 8 January ‘45 with J. K. Bivins crew aboard killing the navigator, copilot, bombardier, and nose gunner.

Pictures of Draggin Waggin

42-50742

A replacement aircraft named by Ludtke’s crew. The nose art, painted by R. Clark a communications technician, depicted two brunettes sitting back-to-back. “Double Trouble” crash landed in Russian occupied territory in Hungary on 22 March ‘45 with Wykel’s crew aboard after bombing Spittal, Hungary. Ten RTD. MACR 13262. On 23 June ’45, an American officer of the Allied Military Mission reported seeing “Double Trouble” under Hungarian guard, at the end of a runway, two engines still feathered and the right landing gear wheel flat – just as it was when abandoned by Wykle’s crew in March ’45.

Pictures of Double Trouble

41-23724

D model utility ship. Ex 376th BG, TIDAL WAVE survivor. On 23 January 1944 she was transferred into the 449th and was maintained by Sgt. Edmund Dickmann, 718th. She became a utility aircraft used for flying parts and various administrative support missions such as carrying personnel to 15th Air Force meetings and others to rest camps. She was known to have made several cargo runs… some of which were the occasional “booze” runs to Cairo, Egypt! “Doodlebug” was salvaged on 5 July ’45.

Pictures of Doodlebug

41-29193

An original cadre ship acquired 1 November ‘43 and assigned to Grimmer’s crew who flew her overseas in December ‘43. The pilot named her after a girl friend in Topeka, just before leaving for overseas. Crew chief Sgt. Rudolph Lesquere. The “Belle” was downed over Bucharest, Romania, on the 4 April ’44 Presidential Unit Citation mission with Kendall’s crew aboard – 2 KIA and 8 POW. MACR 4205.

Pictures of Dixie Belle

42-78107

A replacement ship flown overseas in early May ’44 by Carter’s crew. The crew wanted “one of the shiny, new, all-aluminum sheet metal ships” but were assigned an Olive Drab one instead – hence the ship’s name.

42-52089

An original cadre ship acquired 18 October ’43 and assigned to Messenger’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. One of her photos reveals that she got in at least 51 missions. Ship #63 lasted out the war and was salvaged 23 June ’45.

Pictures of Devil’s Henchmen

44-10633

A replacement ship that arrived with 449th on 15 August ’44. Named for the wife (Viola) of Sgt. Lewis Newton, tail gunner on Kettering’s crew. Gunner Newton made the stencil and the crew chief O.K.’d because her combat number was 06 and “VI” was the Roman numeral representation of the combat number. Flown to the Gioia Depot on 29 April ‘45 on Group’s last ferry flight. Subsequently returned to the U.S. by a crew from another bomb group riving at Hunter AAF, Savannah, GA., on 1 July ’45.

Pictures of Darling VI

42-7726

An original cadre ship acquired 15 October ’43 and assigned to H. Mel Carter crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. Crew chief was Sgt. Jim Wells. Carter’s crew had just arrived at Grottaglie and were using the ship for temporary sleeping quarters on 8 January ’44 when a RAF twin-engine Beaufighter crashed into the ship on a night landing damaging the right wing tip and the top turret. The ship had been readied for the next day’s mission. She was repaired and returned to the 449th in the Spring of 44 and renumbered #28. The ship was damaged again on the ground on 1 August ’44 and salvaged.

Pictures of Daisy Mae

Unknown3

A ‘D’ model utility ship, Possibly D-125 CO 42-41023 – ex 93rd BG and 98th BG.

Pictures of Coral Princess

41-28847

A radar equipped “Mickey” ship received 4 May 44.

42-52159

Acquired 8 February ’44. Picture was painted by Squadron mess Sgt for $20, but the ship arrived with name already printed on nose. “Consolidated Mess” was downed with Polink’s crew aboard on 4 April ’44 mission to the Bucharest marshalling yard. 3 KIA, 7 POW. MACR 3879.

Consolidated Mess

42-94879

From 8/34/18; xfer MTO 5 Dec 44. Ex 8th AF, 34th BG, 18th BS. Acquired 5 Dec 44. Taxied over an abandoned latrine area and collapsed left landing gear and damaged props on 7 Feb 45. Salvaged.

Pictures of Collapsible Susie

42-52157

An original 449th ship acquired 9 November ’43 and flown overseas by Geminder’s crew in December ’43. Believed to be the first ship to complete 50 missions without an early return. Her final demise was her 87th mission. She was downed with Ludtke’s crew aboard on 22 November ‘44 over the Ferrara Rail Road Bridge in Northern Italy. 2 KIA, 7 POW, and 1 evaded. MACR 10044.

Pictures of Classy Chassy

Unknown2

Serial number (unknown). Combat #(unknown). 719th Squadron. Crew chief was Sgt. Bandy. No other information.

Pictures of City Of Waco

42-7723

An original cadre ship acquired on 20 October ’43 and assigned to Samuelson’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. Named after the pilot’s wife, Mrs. Marguerite Samuelson. Made a crash landing on 12 August ’44 at Tarquina airfield in Northern Italy with Miller’s crew aboard returning from a mission to Toulon, France. The crew returned to Grottaglie aboard a 719th aircraft flown by Aldrich. “Cinnsy’s Margie” was salvaged on 12 August ’44.

Pictures of Cinnsy’s Margie

With Samuelson Crew at Bruning, Nebraska

Liberator ‘Cinnsy’s Margie’ taxies past a pile of earth at Grottaglie … February 1944 … Grottaglie, Italy

Probably after 12 August 44 crash landing at Tarquinia with Miller Crew

44-50423

Not 44-4149, #65. Arrived 12 Feb 45 and suffered major damage on 31 Mar 45. Did not make the ferry flight to depot at end of combat, but was repaired and later returned the the U.S.

Pictures of Butchy Darlin’

41-28986

A replacement aircraft flown overseas by the A. K. Brown crew and arriving 2 Apr 44. The overseas flight was so cold that they named her from the phrase “she would freeze the XXXXX off a brass monkey!” Crashed on takeoff during a local training flight at the Grottaglie, Italy airbase, 11 Aug 44.

Pictures of Brass Monkey

42-7769

An original aircraft delivered to Bruning 25 October ’43, and assigned to Brady’s crew. Downed over the German Airfield at Aviano, Italy, on 31 January ’44 with Brady’s crew aboard. 2 KIA, 8 POW, 3 evaded. MACR 2300.

Pictures of Brady’s Gang

41-29258

Acquired into the 449th on 8 February ’44 from the 451st Bomb Group. Formerly named “Satan’s Sister” which was changed just before transfer. The crew intended to rename her as “Hoosier Honey” but the ship was downed over Bucharest, Romania on 4 April ’44 (First Presidential Unit Citation mission) with McCormick’s crew aboard – 5 KIA and 5 POW in Romania. MACR 3702.

Pictures of Born To Lose

42-50307

Flown over by Armstrong’s crew, April ’44, from Topeka. Downed over Ploesti on 5 May ’44. KIA – pilot “Bonnie” Armstrong with ball gunner and replacement nose gunner; all seven other crew members taken POW. MACR 4608.

41-29243

An original cadre ship acquired on 9 November ’43 and assigned to Kennelly’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. Crew chief was Joseph C. Gaus. On the 14January ‘44 Mostar mission, five men of Isgrigg’s crew bailed out, and the rest of the crew nursed ship #54 back home to Grottaglie. On 12 April ‘44, she was downed on the Wiener-Neustadt, Austria mission with Beam’s crew aboard — 4 KIA and 6 POW. MACR 4034 (final mission); MACR 2398 (Isgrigg’s crew.)

42-52149

An original cadre ship acquired 5 November ’43 and assigned to Porter’s crew who flew her overseas in December ‘43. Crew chief was Sgt. Francis Weaver. The ship was named by the first pilot, Fletcher S. Porter, whose hometown was Georgetown, Kentucky. Porter was KIA on 30 January ’44 while flying as copilot with Ben Kendall’s crew. The original copilot, 2nd Lt Thomas N. Turner was KIA while flying as copilot with Hank Silver’s crew on 17 May ’44. “Big Noise” was downed by flak near Bor, Yugoslavia on 5 May ’44 returning from Ploesti with Paul Harper’s crew aboard. Harper’s crew bailed out. Nine of the crew were ultimately rescued by the “Chetnik” forces and subsequently returned to Grottaglie. The copilot broke an ankle on landing and became a POW. MACR 4661.

Pictures of Big Noise From Kentucky

42-64400

E’ model phase training ship used Stateside only.

Pictures of Big Bill

41-28625

An original cadre ship acquired 6 November ’43 and assigned to Phillips crew. Downed by flak over Perugia Airdrome, Italy, 19 January ’44 with Phillips crew Four evaded and 6 became POWs. MACR 2326.

Pictures of Betty Jean

41-29215

An original cadre ship acquired 20 October ’43 and assigned to Thieme’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. Initially this aircraft was named “The Battlin’ Betty Ann.” Named for Mrs. Betty Ann Thieme, the pilot’s wife. “Betty Ann” never reached Grottaglie. She was one of the three original 719th aircraft lost during the Group’s movement overseas in December ‘43. She was being flown over by Thieme’s crew with the Squadron Operations Officer Captain Hays as a passenger. The fourteen men aboard were forced to bail out over the North African mountains under severe icing conditions on 15 Dec 43. All landed safely except Captain Hays, whose chute failed to open.

Unknown1

Not 42-9796 (P-40K) or 42-19796 (P-39Q) as previously listed.

Pictures of Balls of Fire

42-50546

A radar equipped “Mickey” ship received July 44 and flown the the Gioia Depot 29 Apr 45 at the end of combat.