IMAGES FOUND OF PLANE #31 "BIG DICK"
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Friday, June 13, 2014
Rank Name First Last as of 6/1995 Unit Crew Position
Sgt Francis Bangs Jr (D) 825 T/G Tail Gunner
S/Sgt John C Chaffe Jr (D) 825 R/O Radio Operator
S/Sgt Wilbur R Dyott Jr 825 BIG Ball Gunner
S/Sgt Clarence T Gambill (D) 825 E Engineer
2Lt Lawrence Glasser 825 N Navigator
2Lt James R Porter 825 P Pilot
2Lt Billie R Sanders (D) 825 C/P Co-Pilot
Sgt Russell J Schneider 825 UIG Top Turret Gunner
2Lt William Smoke (D) 825 B Bombardier
Cpl George A Van Vliet 825 NIG Nose Gunner
484th Insignia
The 484th combat color was insignia red painted on the upper half of the rudder and a red bowtie painted on the lower half of the rudder. The insignia was originally an hourglass but had to be turned on its side to fit on the bottom of the rudder. The original hourglass signified that time was running out for the Axis Powers. Some cowl rings were painted in primary colors but the practice was not maintained. There were four squadrons assigned to the 484th BG. They are the 824th, 825th, 826th and, 827th. Squadron identification was by a two digit number painted at the nose and rear waist section. On olive drab painted aircraft the ID number was painted in white, and red on neutral silver airplanes. Numbers from 1 to 99 were divided into four parts:
1 to 24 were assigned to the 824 squadron
26 to 49 were assigned to the 825 squadron
50 to 72 were assigned to the 826 squadron
73 to 99 were assigned to the 827 squadron
This arrangement was generally true for many Fifteenth Air Force Bomb Groups.
"Big Dick," #31 of the 825th Squadron Serial Number 42-94740 a Ford built B-24-H shown dropping what appears to be 1000 pound bombs. "Big Dick" was shot down June 26, 1944 by enemy fighters near Ghorhern, Austria. James R. Porter was the pilot in command.
Photo from: Torretta Flyer No #23 Winder 1992-93
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