USAAF 41-34692 Martin B-26C-5-MO Marauder

USAAF serial number S/N: 41-34692 Martin B-26C-5-MO Marauder

1941034692, 41-34692 Martin B-26C-5-MO Marauder, Fate: Converted Unit: 323BG455BS Remarks: 323BG455BS White Tails Code:YU-J named: Mr Fala Lyle R. Wolf, Disposal:

Photos A bomber crew of the 323rd Bomb Group in full flight gear, beneath the nose of their B-26 Marauder nicknamed "Mr Falla". Image stamped on reverse: 'Central Press Ltd.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 18 Aug 1943.' [stamp] and '279281.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'America's new super medium bomber in Britain 18.8.43. The U.S super medium bomber, the "MARAUDER" is now operating from Britain after doing fine work in N Africa and Sicily. It has a range of 2,000 miles with a speed of 350 m.p.h and a wing span of 65 ft,and carries one ton of bombs. Driven by two Pratt and Witney "Wasp" engines ,armed with 8 of the famous "Calibre 50" machine guns and carries a crew of 6 who all wear "Flak" armour and steel hats.The picture shows:-9 The crew of the Marauder "MR FALLA" showing their amusing Coat of Arms on the side of their ship. "Mr Falla" is the name of President Roosevelts pet dog. The crew who are all wearing their "Flak" armour are(left to right):- S/Sgt Caroll Schneider of Sweet, Idaho,(Engineer')., S/Sgt William F Vermillion of Elkport, S Dakota, (Radio gunner)., Lt William Kahley, of Story City, Iowa (Pilot)., Lt John Laurie of Atchison, Kansas (Bombardier)., Lt Ralph M Phillips of Kansas City, Missouri (Navigator)., and S/Sgt Paul Laprise of Chariestown, Mass, (Tail Gunner).'
Lieutenant W. Kahley and Lieutenant J Laurie of the 323rd Bomb Group with a toy of President Roosevelt's dog 'Mr Fala' underneath the tail of their B-26 Marauder (serial number 41-34692) nicknamed "Mr Fala" , 17 August 1943. Passed for publication 18 Aug 1943. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'RI-J.' Printed caption on reverse: '17. Lieut. Wililam Kahley (left) from Story City, Iowa; and Lieut. John Laurie, from Atchinson, Kansas, with their toy mascot "Mr. Fala" by the huge tail of their Marauder. Their Marauder is named "Mr. Fala" after President Roosevelt's pet dog. G August 18th 1943 PN.' Censor no: 279246. On reverse: Planet News, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps]. Associated news story: ""Marauders" Now Operating From Britain. The American medium day bomber known as the "Marauder" famous for its work in the Mediterranean and the Far East, is now operating against the Axis from Britain, as part of the Ground Support Command of the U.S. Eighth Air Force. With a range of 2,400 miles, the Marauder can penetrate deeply into enemy territory. It has a ceiling of between six and seven miles with a speed of 330 m.p.h. at 15,000 feet [obscured]. It has a crew of five and carries a bomb load of over 2,400 lbs. These picutres were taken as "Marauders" took off from a U.S. airfrield "somewhere in Britain" for an operation over enemy territory. Note To Censor:- This is the general caption for the series of pictures herewith, each of which bears its individual descriptive caption. Planet News. U.S. Facility Visit, August 17th 1943."