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Aircraft History Built by Consolidated in San Diego. Constructors Number 1178. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-24D-30-CO Liberator serial number 42-40101. Assigned to the 333rd Bombardment Group, 468th Bombardment Squadron. In January 1943, assigned to 2nd Lt. Herbert T. Kurz at Topeka Airfield in Kansas. A month later, at Hamilton Field, this B-24 was nicknamed "The Green Hornet" below the cockpit in white paint. Assigned to the 7th Air Force, 11th Bombardment Group, 98th Bombardment Squadron. The regular crew included: Pilot 2nd Lt. Herbert T. Kurz Co-Pilot 2nd Lt. Kensel E. Clutter Navigator 2nd Lt. William R. Doxaras Bombardier 2nd Lt. Frank J. Washburn Engineer TSgt Dennis S. Lodge Radio TSgt Delbert Y. Erickson Asst Engineer SSgt John E. Harmon Asst Radio SSgt William E. Richards Gunner SSgt Owen T. Wilson Armour/Gunner SSgt Max G. MacFarlane During March 1943 at Hickam Field modified at the Hawaiian Air Depot (HAD) moving the tail turret to the nose and adding antennas, giving it the appearance of a B-24J. In April 1943, operated from Funafuti Airfield for missions against Nauru and Tarawa. During July or August 1943, this B-24 was removed from combat as war weary. On December 15, 1945 officially condemned for salvage. Ultimate fate unknown likely scrapped or otherwise disappeared. Relatives George Kurz (son of Herbert T. Kurz) "My father was the original pilot of 'The Green Hornet'. He just turned 90, and I still would have confidence in him to get in the pilot's seat of that aircraft and fly it today. (He is in excellent physical and mental condition.)." References USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-24D-30-CO Liberator 42-40101 The Green Horney (s# 42-40101) by George Kurz LIFE Magazine "The Green Hornet" Issue 26, June 1944, page 60-61 painting by Paul Sample a Life Magazine combat artist depicting the B-24 at Midway Airfield in early 1943 Thanks to George Kurz and Pete Johnson for additional information Contribute
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