SATURDAY, 23 DECEMBER 1944 9AF: In Germany, around 500 B-26s and A-20s attack rail bridges, communications targets, villages, a rail junction and targets of opportunity losing 31bombers; fighters fly bomber escort, armed reconnaissance, and patrols (claiming 100+ aircraft downed and 3 airfields bombed), and support ground forces between Werbomont, Belgium and Butgenbach, Germany along the N battleline of Bulge and the US III, VIII, and XII Corps forces along the S battleline of the Bulge. In Belgium, the L-5s of the 153d Liaison Squadron, IX Tactical Air Command (attached to Twelfth Army Group), cease operating from Liege and return to base at Tongres; the 161Tactical RS, 363Tactical RG, based at Le Culot begins operating from Conflans, France with F-6s and P-51s.

41-31896 B-26B Marauder 9AF 323BG453BS VTG Louisiana Mud Hen shot down by AAA over Germany 23rd Dec 1944 NA975

41-31896 B-26B Marauder 9AF 323BG453BS VTG Louisiana Mud Hen shot down by AAA over Germany 23rd Dec 1944 NA977

41-31896 B-26B Marauder 9AF 323BG453BS VTG Louisiana Mud Hen shot down by AAA over Germany 23rd Dec 1944 NA979

41-31896 B-26B Marauder 9AF 323BG453BS VTG Louisiana Mud Hen shot down by AAA over Germany 23rd Dec 1944 NA981

Photo: Martin B-26B-30-MA Marauder (s/n 41-31896) named "Louisiana Mud Hen" (aka "Circle Jerk") from the 453rd BS, 323rd BG, 9th AF. Lost on December 23, 1944 when it was shot down by AAA over Germany. All 6 crewmen were KIA. MACR 11659 Shown just seconds before a direct hit by flak in the left engine sent the plane spinning out of control. In one of the most unusual action series of the air war, this ill-fated Martin B-26 Marauder of U.S. 9th Air Force was photographed by cameraman of a Combat Camera Unit just before and during the catastrophe which occurred as the armada of medium attacked military targets at Wittlich, Germany. Camera is trained on wing plane for routine picture of Martin B-26 Marauders in flight. (U.S. Air Force Number 55826AC)

Source: National Archives Identifier NAID 204900010 Local ID: 342-FH-3A20421-55826AC

Source: National Archives Identifier NAID 204900013 Local ID: 342-FH-3A20422-A55826AC

Source: National Archives Identifier NAID 204900016 Local ID: 342-FH-3A20423-B55826AC

Source: National Archives Identifier NAID 204900019 Local ID: 342-FH-3A20424-C55826AC

USAAF 41-31896 Martin B-26B-30-MA Marauder

USAAF serial number S/N: 41-31896 Martin B-26B-30-MA Marauder

1941031896, 41-31896 Martin B-26B-30-MA Marauder Fate: Shot Down 323BG453BS Remarks: 323BG453BS White Tails Code:VT-G named: Louisiana Mud Hen aka Circle Jerk shot down by flak over Germany Dec 23, 1944. MACR-11659 Lost on December 23, 1944 when a direct hit by flak in the left engine sent it spinning out of control. All six crewmen were KIA. MACR 11659
1st Lt. Joseph C. Bostick - Pilot (O-700857) KIA
2nd Lt. James P. Hodges - Copilot (O-823584) KIA
1st Lt. Howard Detel - Bombardier/Navigator (O-712259) KIA
S/Sgt. Albin W. Les - Engineer/Gunner (31287711) KIA
S/Sgt. Robert E. Hohimer - Radio Operator/Gunner (19175127) KIA
S/Sgt. A.C. Carrell - Armorer/Gunner (34805620) KIA
Disposal: 23rd Dec 1944

Photos: "In one of the most unusual action series of the air war, this ill-fated Martin B-26 Marauder of U.S. 9th Air Force was photographed by cameraman of a Combat Camera Unit just before and during the catastrophe which occurred as the armada of medium bombers attacked military targets at Wittlich, Germany. Camera is trained on wing plane for routine picture of Martin B-26 Marauders in flight". Martin B-26B-30-MA Marauder (s/n 41-31896) named "Louisiana Mud Hen" (aka "Circle Jerk") from the 453rd BS, 323rd BG, 9th AF. Lost on December 23,1944 when it was shot down by flak over Germany. All 6 crewmen were KIA. MACR 11659 - Shown just seconds before a direct hit by flak in the left engine sent the plane spinning out of control. B-26B serial 41-31896 "Louisiana Mud Hen" (coded VT-G) assigned to the 453rd Bomb Sq, 323rd BG is mortally wounded during an attack near Wittlich, Germany (MACR 11659). NARA Ref 342-FH-3A20421-55826AC.

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