42-7598 The Flak Ducker
The 392nd Bomb Group was more fortunate than most on the 6 March 1944 mission to Berlin in that only one of its number failed to return. B-24H 27598/E, Flak Ducker, was seen to have No 3 engine feathered before the target and to jettison its bombs. Lagging behind, it was last seen leaving the formation near the German border although still in normal flight. A wheels-down landing was attempted in a cow pasture at Overberg, the Netherlands, which was successful but for a collapsed nose wheel. Lt Erling Hestad and crew were all taken prisoner and the Luftwaffe presented with a little-harmed Liberator which they repaired and flew.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 392nd Bomb Group 576th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-689449
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Bombardier
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 392nd Bomb Group 576th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-692294
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Navigator
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 392nd Bomb Group 576th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 38121470
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 392nd Bomb Group 576th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 15323886
- Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
- Role/Job: Radio Operator
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 392nd Bomb Group 576th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-742080
- Highest Rank: Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Pilot
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Other Failed to Return (FTR) |
3959 Overberg, Netherlands | 6 March 1944 | Attempted landing in a cow pasture at Overberg, the Netherlands, which was successful but for a collapsed nose wheel. Crew captured POW. |
Revisions
MACR 3183 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database