P-61 Black Widow of the "Great Raid" Query

Ad: This forum contains affiliate links to products on Amazon and eBay. More information in Terms and rules

wingnutz

Airman 1st Class
280
72
Apr 20, 2007
Singapore
Hi folks,

I've been trying to look for the specific markings for the P-61 Black Widow aircraft that was used in the "Great Raid" in liberating allied POWs in Cabanatuan, Phillipines, 30 June 1945.

References has given the following information;

1) It's a P-61A-10 N0 from the 547th Night Fighter Squadron, 5th Air Force based in Lingayen Airfield, Philippines;
2) Pilot> Capt Kenneth Schreiber, Radar Operator> 1st Lt Bonnie Rucks;
3) Serial number> 42-39390;
4) Moniker> "Hard to Get" painted in a Vargas styled nude artwork;

I would greatly appreciate it if anyone would have any photos, images or sketches of the appropriate nose art for " Hard to Get".

There's been all sorts of representations of P-61s in model kits and aftermarket decals, but nothing on this P-61 aircraft that flew this historical mission.

Much thanks....
 
Last edited:
Something interesting about P-61A, serial number #42-39395:

Immediately postwar, P-61B-1NO serial number 42-39458 was operated by the Navy at the Patuxent River test facility in Maryland in a number of tests. P-61A-10NO serial number 42-39395 was subjected by the Navy to a series of test catapult launches to qualify the aircraft for shipboard launches, but the Black Widow was never flown from an aircraft carrier. These aircraft did not receive the naval designation F2T-1 but continued on as P-61.

Otherwise, there just doesn't seem to be much in the way of information out there about this aircraft, either text or photos...
 
much thanks kind sirs...this definitely gives closure to this search...
hopefully, the decal makers would find time to include this in their product line...

13.jpg
 
View attachment 268415 picture taken after the 28-2-45 mission, from left to right Col. Johnson, pilot Lt Ken Schreiber, R/O lt Bonnie Rucks and crew chief T/Sgt John Crough. Still looking for the R/H side, but will find it hopefully. I also found this, but dont know if it will help. Its for decals but might help somehow.

P-61B "Hard To Get No.
547th NFS Pacific Theater

References: Wings of Fame Vol. 15 photo pg. 69 photo
P-61 Black Widow In Action - Squadron # 1106 color pg. , photo pg.
Queen of the Midnight Skies Gary Pape Schiffer pg. photo
 
Much thanks kind sir and much much appreciated...

Now at least we know that the nose art is definitely on the starboard side, the spinner color and crew and kill markings are confirmed as well.

As far as the type is concerned, referencing the registry of military US aircraft, 42-39390 is stated as a dash-A.

However, looking at the posted photo of the aircraft, the nose wheel reveals a mounted light, which would indicate that this aircraft is a dash-B.

Could someone kindly confirm if this is correct?
 
Last edited:
Hi folks,

Latest information made available for this subject, courtesy of Mr James "Big Jim" Truman, the official Historian of the 547th Night Fighter Squadron. (Thanks Jim)...

547%20NFS_Hard%20To%20Get-01.jpg

From left to right, Crew Chief> T/Sgt John Crough, R/O> Lt Bonnie Rucks, Pilot> Lt Ken Schreiber and Col. Johnson.

547%20NFS_Hard%20To%20Get-02.jpg

From left to right Col. Johnson, Pilot> Lt Ken Schreiber, R/O> Lt Bonnie Rucks and Crew Chief> T/Sgt John Crough.

Hard%20to%20Get_Artwork_01.jpg


Amended "Vargas Girl" style nose art and monicker...

P-61_Hard%20to%20Get_Starboard%20Profile_01.jpg

Amended starboard side artwork...

1) Amended nose art;
2) Amended nose length to an A variant;
3) Amended tail rudder marking;

A much needed closure to this search...

NorthropP-61BlackWidow_547th_in%20flight.jpg
 
Last edited:
Nice, just found this thread. Keep in mind that the props were not counter rotating. They rotated the same direction on each side.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back