UPL 5616
IMAGEIn January 1945, returning from a mission, enemy flak knocked out one of the engines and rendered landing gear inoperable. My Dad told us how grateful he and the crew were that pilots Charles W. Cleary and John C McArdle were able to guide the aircraft to liberated Belgium and crash landed; all the crew got out without a scratch. My Dad knew French from High School, so he was able to be a translator for the crew. They stayed at the homes of welcoming Belgians until they were transported back to England. Courtesy Ernie Z. Frausto; Photo with thanks to Andy J De Casati
Connections
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Units
- 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: 453rd Bomb Group 734th Bomb Squadron
- Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 453rd Bomb Group 734th Bomb Squadron
- Role/Job: Nose Turret Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 453rd Bomb Group 734th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant (2nd Grade)
- Role/Job: Flight Engineer
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 453rd Bomb Group 734th Bomb Squadron
- Role/Job: Tail Turret Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 453rd Bomb Group 734th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
- Role/Job: Pilot
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
- Nicknames: Hollywood & Vine
- Unit: 453rd Bomb Group 734th Bomb Squadron