Delivered Denver 14/12/43; Gt Falls 20/12/43; Kearney 1/1/44; Grenier 21/1/44; Assigned 548BS/385BG [GX-L] Gt Ashfield 2/2/44; Missing in Action Berlin 8/5/44 with Andy Drobysh, Co-pilot: Harry Gousha, Navigator: Clem Irons, Bombardier: Bob Hudson, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Joe O’Donnell, Radio Operator: Cullen Cotton, Ball turret gunner: Ed Waters, Waist gunner: Russ Beyko, Waist gunner: Art Carter, Tail gunner: Chas Moore (10 Prisoner of War); enemy aircraft KOd #3, crashed Worphausen, nine miles NE of Bremen, Ger; Missing Air Crew Report 4563. GIN RICKY.



Near the IP before the bomb run Lt Drobysh reported that his #3 engine was out of control and he could no longer stay with the formation, he pulled his ship away and salvoed his bombs, the rogue propellor eventually breaking away from its engine. Enemy fighters now set about finishing off the straggler. Drobysh finally calling for his crew to bale out.



The aircraft was known as Gin Ricky by the men.



My grandfather (Frederick Ihlenburg) mentioned to my grandmother in one of his letters home that the plane had nose art painted on, but I don't have any pictures of this. The A/C's name came from my grandmother (Jeanne) and my uncle Frederick ("Ricky" as a kid). He was born right before my grandfather left for the war.