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B-24J Liberator   44-40125   HERK'S JERKS
 44-40125
Manufacturing Data
Serial Number 44-40125
Model B-24J
Manufacturer Consolidated - San Diego, California
Production Block B-24J-145-CO
Color Silver aka NMF (Natural Metal Finish)
Group Data
Date Assigned to 492nd Original aircraft for the 858th BS
Obtained From Consolidated
Flyover Pilot 2nd Lt Harry Orthman Crew 806
Total Missions w/492nd 13
Total WWII Missions unknown
Notes
858th Squadron Code: 9A
Tail Code: E- (underlined)
Reassigned to the 856th when the 858th was cut from the Group.
856th Squadron Code: 5Z
Tail Code: unknown (probably was not repainted)
Reassigned to the 857th during late June. We do not know why this plane was reassigned but our theory is it followed Orthman as he went from squadron to squadron. He was considered a big man on base and probably had the pull to do so.
857th Squadron Code: 9H
Tail Code: -I (bar over letter)
The 857th used this plane to replace 44-40136 SILVER WHICH lost on 20 Jun 44.
According to our research this plane flew its last 492nd mission on 19 Jul 44. We have found no indication as to its fate after that date. Nor can we find anything to suggest it was replaced.
More Info
plus another photo
Orthman Crew 806
Mock Crew 804
Rasmussen
Crew R-02
Simon Crew R-03
44-40136
SILVER WHICH
Links to missions
flown by this plane
are below in the
Mission Record
389th BG site
Mission Record
Documented Missions with the 492nd BG, 858th BS
Date Mission Mission # Pilot Crew Notes
11 May 44 Mulhouse, France
 Link to Mission 01 page 01
Orthman 806 Target: Marshalling yard
Deputy lead of B section w/Adams
6 Jun 44 invasion coast, France
 Link to Mission 17 page 17
Orthman 806 Target: Tactical
11 Jun 44 La Possonniere, France
 Link to Mission 23 page 23
Orthman 806 Target: Marshalling yard
Lead Ship
17 Jun 44 Tours, France
 Link to Mission 30 page 30
Mock 804 Target: Airfield
Documented Missions with the 492nd BG, 856th BS
25 Jun 44 Roye, France
 Link to Mission 40b page 40b
Orthman 806 Target: Peronne Airfield
Lead Ship
Documented Missions with the 492nd BG, 857th BS
28 Jun 44 Saarbrucken, Germany
 Link to Mission 42 page 42
Orthman 806 Target: Marshalling yard
7 Jul 44 Bernburg, Germany
 Link to Mission 46 page 46
Rasmussen R-02 Target: Aircraft factory
Aborted
12 Jul 44 Munich, Germany
 Link to Mission 49 page 49
Orthman 806 Target: Railroad station
Lead Ship w/Byrne
18 Jul 44 Troarns, France
 Link to Mission 52 page 52
Orthman 806 Target: Tactical
Lead Ship w/Heaton
19 Jul 44 Koblenz, Germany
 Link to Mission 53 page 53
Simon R-03 Target: Marshalling yard
492ndBombGroup.com — an Arnett Institute project
Page last modified Sunday, January 3, 2010.