VIII Air Support Command 22B

16 August 1943

Description

This VIII Air Support Command is a diversion flown by 21 B-26s despatched from 323BG in support of the B-26 formations attacking the German airfields at Bernay St. Martin and Beaumont Le Roger, France. There are no losses or claims.

Mission Details

Description: DIVERSION

Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder

Notes: Diversion for 21 and 22A force.

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

Mission Statistics

  • Tonnage Dropped: None
  • Aircraft sent: 21
  • Aircraft effective: 21

Revisions

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 17-May-2015. Added the Mission Narrative based on "The Mighty EIghth War Diary", Roger A. Freeman.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham, 8th Air Force missions research database / Stan Bishop's 'Losses of the US 8th and 9th Air Forces', the Combat Chronology of the US Army Air Forces and the work of Roger Freeman including the 'Mighty Eighth War Diary'.