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B-24J Liberator 44-40125 HERK'S JERKS
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| 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) |
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| 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 |
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| Notes |
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858th Squadron Code: 9A
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Tail Code: E- (underlined)
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Reassigned to the 856th when the 858th was cut from the Group.
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856th Squadron Code: 5Z
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Tail Code: unknown (probably was not repainted)
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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.
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857th Squadron Code: 9H
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Tail Code: -I (bar over letter)
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The 857th used this plane to replace 44-40136 SILVER WHICH lost on 20 Jun 44.
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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.
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Mission Record
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Documented Missions with the 492nd BG, 858th BS
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| Date |
Mission |
Mission # |
Pilot |
Crew |
Notes |
| 11 May 44 |
Mulhouse, France |
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Orthman |
806 |
Target: Marshalling yard
Deputy lead of B section w/Adams |
| 6 Jun 44 |
invasion coast, France |
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Orthman |
806 |
Target: Tactical |
| 11 Jun 44 |
La Possonniere, France |
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Orthman |
806 |
Target: Marshalling yard
Lead Ship |
| 17 Jun 44 |
Tours, France |
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Mock |
804 |
Target: Airfield |
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Documented Missions with the 492nd BG, 856th BS
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| 25 Jun 44 |
Roye, France |
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Orthman |
806 |
Target: Peronne Airfield
Lead Ship |
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Documented Missions with the 492nd BG, 857th BS
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| 28 Jun 44 |
Saarbrucken, Germany |
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Orthman |
806 |
Target: Marshalling yard |
| 7 Jul 44 |
Bernburg, Germany |
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Rasmussen |
R-02 |
Target: Aircraft factory
Aborted |
| 12 Jul 44 |
Munich, Germany |
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Orthman |
806 |
Target: Railroad station
Lead Ship w/Byrne |
| 18 Jul 44 |
Troarns, France |
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Orthman |
806 |
Target: Tactical
Lead Ship w/Heaton |
| 19 Jul 44 |
Koblenz, Germany |
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Simon |
R-03 |
Target: Marshalling yard |
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