Consolidated B-24 Liberator

"Pithonu CENSORED"

Ford B-24H-10-FO Liberator

s/n 42-52283

743rd BS, 455th BG, 15th AF

Lost on September 13,1944 due to mechanical problems. It was seen losing altitude with two props feathered (#1 and #3) and having salvoed the bombs through the bombay doors. The entire crew bailed out safely but the radio operator grabbed the extra chest pack chute, because his was in the rear of the plane, and it failed. The chute clips either failed or his harness wasn't adjusted correctly because he was seen falling away from the open chute.

MACR 8357

2nd Lt. Edward J. Botteen,Jr. - Pilot

2nd Lt. Robert E. Newberg - CoPilot

2nd Lt. David Fuchs - Navigator

2nd Lt. John P. Campbell - Bombardier

Sgt. Harry F. Eddy,Jr. - Radio Operator (KIA)

Sgt. James F. Pittman,Jr. - Engineer/Top Turret Gunner

Sgt. Frank E. Bivens - Gunner

Sgt. Clarence L. Madsen,Jr. - Gunner

Sgt. Benedict M. Raczka - Gunner (POW)

Sgt. Jake Shaheen,Jr. - Gunner

Done