Thanks
Wojtek and
Robert, undisputed godfathers of
"The Squaw"
UN POCO DE HISORIA.-
The B-24 Liberator was the greatest bomber used by the USAAF during WWII until end 1943. Although it was often overshadowed by the B-17, the B-24 bomber took part in more actions and was operational on more fronts than any other American Bomber It was also able to carry a much larger bomb load. It made its maiden flight in Dicember 1939. The aircraft owed its long range to the inspired design of the wing. In addition the versatile B-24 was used as a long-range reconnaissance platform and as a transport. While the initial versions were assigned for use in the Mediterranean and Great Britain, the great demand also arose for long-range bombers in the South Pacific, when the B-24 became the main tool of Allied operatiums in the recapture of the islands. In 1943 the Liberator had completely replaced by the B-17 in the South Pacific. The B-24D was the first mass-produced version of the Liberator. It had a glazed nose section equipped with four .50 caliber machine guns. The total of 2738 of the B-24D were produced. Without doubt the best known mission of the B-24D bombers was the strike against the Ploesti oil refineries in Romania.
With reference to the version that I introduce ...
Liberator nicknamed
"The Squaw" was one of the survivors of the Ploesti raid.
Shortly after that it was retired from service and sent to USA in order to request war loans. For this purpose, in adition to the land map with its missions shown on it, it was given special markings at the places where it had been hit while in action.
I share some images of our B-24D "The Squaw" ...
Let me prepare other photos and share them.
Thanks for your comments.