"Kate Smith" 42-40991 was a B-24D-120-CO which came off the production lines of Consolidated, San Diego. The art work depicts American Singer Kate Smith's theme song, "When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain". This ship was flown by the 1Lt James A Deeds crew to Ploesti on August 1, 1943. While taking part in the disasterous 98th BG attack on the Astra Romana-Phoenix Orion refinery complex, it took a direct hit in the cockpit area over the target at an estimated 250 ft of altitude. The aircraft caught fire in the bomb bay area and exploded mid-air. Miraculously, the copilot, 2Lt Clifton Foster was blown clear of the disintergrating aircraft and was able to open his parachute. Taken prisoner, he was the only survivor of the ten man crew.
by glhorton (2008-10-13 12:23:50)
by glhorton (2008-10-13 12:23:50)
