44-40328 This Above All

The nose art of a B-14 Liberator (serial number 44-40328) nicknamed "This Above All" of the 487th Bomb Group. media-380840.jpg FRE 2036 This aircraft is B-24 44-40328 'This Above All'.
• It was a 493rd Bomb Group, 863rd Bomb Squadron original aircraft transferred before 6 Jun 1944 (date of 493rd BG's first combat mission) to the 34th Bomb Group, 391st Bomb Squadron.
• It was flown on missions of the 34th Bomb Group from 6 June 1944 through 16 August 1944.
• It was later assigned to the 466th Bomb Group, 786th Bomb Squadron (squadron code U8, with radio call letter T), and was flown on missions from 25 October 1944 through 25 April 1945.
• It was then redeployed to the Zone of the Interior (United States). It was never assigned to 487th Bomb Group.
• The nose art was was signed "SGT DUANE BRYERS." Sgt Bryers painted the nose art on the aircraft at Sheppard Field, Texas, before the overseas deployment of the 493rd Bomb Group.
Sources:
1. Tom Brittan of B-24 BestWeb
2. Ivo de Jong, author of 'The History of the 487th Bomb Group (H)' Roger Freeman Collection

466th BG Historian

Object Number - FRE 2036 - This aircraft is B-24 44-40328 'This Above All'. • It was a 493rd Bomb Group, 863rd Bomb Squadron original aircraft transferred before 6 Jun 1944...

Connections

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

Units served with

Three little girls hold up a balloon celebrating the 100th mission of the 466th Bomb Group in front of a B-24 Liberator (serial number 42-95592) nicknamed "Black Cat". Handwritten caption on reverse: 'On our 100 Mission party Day- 18 Aug 1944, Attlebridge, 466th- wouldn't it be something if we could identify these girls? How could I do it?'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
The insignia of the 493rd Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 786th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 38599017
  • Highest Rank: Technician Third Grade
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 786th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Captain
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 487th Bomb Group
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 786th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 33702549
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant (3rd Grade)
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 786th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 31311633
  • Highest Rank: Technician Third Grade
  • Role/Job: Nose Gunner

Places

Aerial photograph of Attlebridge airfield, looking north, the fuel store and a T2 hangar are in the upper centre, 31 January 1946. Photograph taken by No. 90 Squadron, sortie number RAF/3G/TUD/UK/51. English Heritage (RAF Photography).
  • Site type: Airfield
  • Known as: Attlebridge Arsenal, Station 120

Missions

  • Date: 25 October 1944
  • Date: 22 October 1944

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Combat Mission

Landshut, Germany 16 April 1945 William Hawkins Crew - Crew #695

Revisions

Date
Contributor466thHistorian
Changes
Sources

466th BG Archives - Group Formation sheet - 16 April 1945

Date
Contributor466thHistorian
Changes
Sources

Chris Brassfield

44-40328: Gallery (11 items)