USAAF 41-31810 Martin B-26B-25-MA Marauder

USAAF serial number S/N: 41-31810 Martin B-26B-25-MA Marauder

1941031810, 41-31810 Martin B-26B-25-MA Marauder Fate: shot down by Flak Unit:323BG456BS White Tails Code:WT-G Name:"Klassie Lassie"

Remarks:On June 29, 1944, the 323rd attacked the Diguelleville Gun Battery. Due to weather, the bomb run was forced down to 3,000 feet. "Klassie Lassie" was on her 100th mission. She took a flak hit dead on and exploded. No chutes were seen. The pilot, 1st Lt. Oscard J. Boothe was on his 81st combat mission - 16 beyond the supposed 65 mission tour of duty. Among the MIA were Staff Sergeant Adolf C. Hothausen. The other crew members have not been confirmed. There is a memorial at the crash site in Frnace.

Disposal:June 29, 1944

Photo: A member of the ground crew of the 456th Bomb Squadron, 323rd Bomb Group,on the nose of B-26 Marauder (WT-U, serial number 41-31810) nicknamed "Klassie Lassie". Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Could be WT-G 131944? 456/323BG. AFM.' This photograph likely was taken at Earls Colne Airfield. (Note: Aircraft 41-31944 is WT-G "Kactus Kid".)