USAAF 42-43309 Martin B-26B-40-MA Marauder

USAAF serial number S/N: 42-43309 Martin B-26B-40-MA Marauder

1942043309, 42-43309 Martin B-26B-40-MA Marauder Fate: Ditched Unit: 320BG443BS Remarks: 320BG443BS Marauders Code:57 named: Gotta Match damaged by flak and ditched at sea Jun 5, 1944. Gotta Match had the left engine shot out by flak over the Reiti Railroad bridge, the target on 5 June 1944. The aircraft had just reached the coast when the remaining engine started to falter due to a damaged oil feed line. The pilot, Lt. John S. MacKinnon skirted the coast attempting to make Nettuno, but the aircraft was losing altitude too quickly. He made a dead stick landing in the water next to the beach. The crew who were uninjured climbed out to the aircraft onto the wing and stepped ashore. The pilot was awarded the DFC for his actions. Disposal: 05-Jun-44