Gordon E Ackley

Military

Joined 6/19/43.

DS/Bengahzi 6/26/43.



Took part in Operation Tidal Wave, the raid on Ploesti on 1 August 1943, flying B-24 Liberator 41-24211.



DS/Tunis 9/16/43.



On October 1, 1943, when he was wounded, the crew was TDY to the 9th AAC. On a mission to Weiner Neustadt, 41-24009 'Margaret Ann' was attacked by flak and fighters. Losing #1 radio and hydrolic systems, Pilot Kessler landed at a Canadian base outside of Bari, Italy. Spent a few days at the base working on the plane.



Returned to Base via ATC 10/4/43. Returned to England.

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 44th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment
B-24 Liberators of the 44th Bomb Group line up for takeoff at Shipdham in 1943. The 'Flying Eight-Ball' emblem of the 68th Bomb Squadron is visible on the nose of the leading aircraft. Image stamped with field press censor, 1943. Press Agency photograph- original printed caption has been removed.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Wing and a Prayer
  • Unit: 44th Bomb Group 68th Bomb Squadron

Missions

Events

Event Location Date Description

Born

Mankato, Minn

Revisions

Date
Changes
Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / Webb Todd, 44th BG Roll of Honor and Casualties by Will Lundy pp. 133-134