USAAF 42-96200 Martin B-26B-55-MA Marauder

USAAF serial number S/N: 42-96200 Martin B-26B-55-MA Marauder

1942096200, 42-96200 Martin B-26B-55-MA Marauder Fate: Unit: 323BG454BS Remarks: 323BG454BS White Tails - Wood's Rocket Raiders Code:RJ-M, Disposal:

Photo: 42-96200 Martin B-26B-55-MA Marauder
As the tempo of the battle is increased so is aerial bombing intensified. A Martin B-26 Silver Streak Marauder of the 9th Air Force over Torigni, France which lies behind the battle lines. It was an important Road intersection. The destruction of which helps to hinder German movements. NARA Ref 342-FH-3A19243-51767AC. B-26B 41-31918 "Can't Get Started" of the 454th Bomb Sq, 323rd BG was shot down by an Me-262 on 20 April 1945; 1st Lt Dale E Sanders and his crew became POWs for the last two weeks of the war in Europe. B-26 42-96200 also pictured.

The 323rd Bombardment Group operated with B-26 Marauders, American medium bombers. They were the first Eighth Air Force Group to fly a medium level bombing mission with this aircraft on 16 July 1943. After flying a total of 33 missions with the Eighth, the Group were assigned to the Ninth Air Force, and they continued to fly strategic bombing missions over Europe throughout the war, staying at Earls Colne, Essex until 21 July 1944, at which point they moved to Beaulieu, England.

The 323rd moved to an airfield adjacent to the village of Lessay, France on 26 August 1944 and then moved to an airfield near Chartres, France on 21 September 1944. On 13 October 1944, the 323rd moved to Laon/Athies Airfield from which the group flew missions in the Battle of the Bulge from December 23 -27, 1944 for which the Distinguished Unit Citation was conferred upon the group. On 9 February 1945, the gorup moved to Denain/Pouvy Airdrome where is was stationed until 15 May 1945.