41-31896 Circle Jerk Louisiana Mud Hen

media-25668.jpeg UPL 25668 "In one of the most unusual action series of the air war, this ill-fated Martin B-26 Marauder of U.S. 9th Air Force was photographed by cameraman of a Combat Camera Unit just before and during the catastrophe which occurred as the armada of medium bombers attacked military targets at Wittlich, Germany. Camera is trained on wing plane for routine picture of Martin B-26 Marauders in flight".
Martin B-26B-30-MA Marauder (s/n 41-31896) named "Louisiana Mud Hen" (aka "Circle Jerk") from the 453rd BS, 323rd BG, 9th AF.

Lost on December 23,1944 when it was shot down by AAA over Germany. All 6 crewmen were KIA. MACR 11659 - Shown just seconds before a direct hit by flak in the left engine sent the plane spinning out of control.

NARA Ref 342-FH-3A20421-55826AC.

Object Number - UPL 25668 - "In one of the most unusual action series of the air war, this ill-fated Martin B-26 Marauder of U.S. 9th Air Force was photographed by cameraman of...

Assigned to 323BS, 453BG, 9AF USAAF. 121 x missions flown. Failed to Return (FTR) bombing mission to Germany 23-Dec-1944. Took a direct or near direct hit in port engine and started into a uncontrolled spin. Crew did not manage to bale out 6 x KIA. MACR 11659.



Crew: Pilot 1Lt Joseph C Bostick, Co pilot 2Lt James P Hodges, Bomb 1Lt Howard Detel, Tail gunner S/Sgt A C Carrell, Eng/TT S/Sgt Albin W Les, Radio S/Sgt Robert E Hohimer.

Connections

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

Units served with

Private First Class Barbara O'Brien of the Womens Army Corps, paints the nose of a B-26 Marauder (YU-Y. serial number 41-34982) nicknamed "Jolly Roger" of the 323rd Bomb Group. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for Publcation 4 Dec 1943.' [stamp] and '295589.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'W.A.C.S. on duty at a Bomber Station. Associated Press Photo shows:- Pfc: Barbara O'Brien painting the Jolly Roger on the nose of a Marauder with the crew looking on.'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 453rd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-700857
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 453rd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 34805620
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Armourer / gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 453rd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-712259
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 453rd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 14175159 / O-823584
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group
  • Service Numbers: 19175127
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant

Places

Missions

The nose art of a B-26 Marauder (serial number 42-95865) nicknamed "Sky Hag" of the 391st Bomb Group.
  • Date: 23 December 1944

Events

Event Location Date Description

Crashed

Failed to Return (FTR)

Germany 23 December 1944 Failed to Return (FTR) bombing mission to Germany 23-Dec-1944. Took a direct or near direct hit in port engine and started into a uncontrolled spin. Crew did not manage to bale out 6 x KIA. MACR 11659.

Manufactured

Offutt AFB, NE, USA Built at Martin.

Delivered

Nebraska, USA Delivered to USAAF.

Assigned

Earls Colne, Colchester CO6, UK Assigned to 323BS, 453BG, 9AF USAAF.

Revisions

Date
Contributorales8021
Changes
Sources

Photo of B-26 flown by Albin W. Les and crew.

Date
ContributorTanks
Changes
Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

MACR 11659 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database

41-31896: Gallery (3 items)