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| USAAF 13th AF 307th BG 371st BS Former Assignments 424th BS |
Aircraft History Built by Consolidated at San Diego completed February 10, 1943. Constructors number 1400. On February 13, 1943 delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-24D-50-CO Liberator serial number 42-40323 at Tucson Airfield. On April 1, 1943 assigned to the 6th Ferrying Group (6th FG) at Long Beach for delivery overseas. On April 4, 1943 departs San Francisco bound for Hickam Field, where the bomber had nose modifications and installation of a ball turret, the first B-24D with a ball turret added. Flown overseas via Christmas, American Samoa, Fiji and New Caledonia before arriving at at Carney Field (Bomber 2) on Guadalcanal. Wartime History Assigned to the 13th Air Force (13th AF), 307th Bombardment Group (307th BG) "Long Rangers", 424th Bombardment Squadron (424th BS). Nicknamed "Frenisi" pronounced "free and easy" after a song of the same name popularized by Artie Shaw and was named by crew chief M/Sgt Green. The nose art had a nude woman wearing a sombrero, scarf and high heels The nose had "323" the last three digits of the serial number. Assigned to pilot Major H. G. McNeese. Later, assigned to Captain C. W. Byrd then Lt. Battenfield. On May 31, 1943 (mission #1) took off on a search mission off Bougainville, and strafed a coastal steamer off Tinputs and claimed it was left on fire and abandoned. On June 7, 1943 bombed a Japanese convoy. On June 14, 1943 bombed Kahili. On July 18, 1943 bombed transport of the Shigure class off Nauru piloted by Lt. M. L. Nelson was the bombardier. On July 25, 1943 bombed Munda. On July 26, 1943 bombs Ballale. On August 30, 1943 took off piloted by C. W. Byrd on a bombing mission against Kahili. Over the target, intercepted by forty Zeros and hit by gunfire, returning with 48 bullet holes. Repaired over the next nine days. On October 14, 1943 transferred to the 371st Bombardment Squadron (371st BS) in New Hebrides assigned to pilot Lt. W. P. Moeller and flew search missions. Afterwards, all four engines were changed, and was checked out on November 16, 1943. On November 24, 1943 returned to Carney Field (Bomber 2) and continued flying combat, targets included: Rabaul, Kavieng, Kahili, Kara, Poporang, Shortlands, Buka, Bonis, Sohano, Ballale, Vila and Munda. On November 25, 1943 took off piloted by piloted by Col. Birrhard and Col. Jurkens and landed at Munda. Afterwards, assigned to Lt. B. B. Miller (Byrd's co-pilot previously, when he returned to the United States). On August 6, 1944 flown to Green Island Airfield (Nissian), and then assigned to Lt. Kates, and on April 13, 1944 on a bombing mission against Truk, and afterwards flown to Piva afterwards. On April 16 again bombed Truk via Green Island piloted by Lt. Hamilton. On May 3, 1944 departed Munda for Mokerang on Los Negros. Flown by a variety of crews on missions against Truk, Satawan, Woleai and Biak on D-Day: May 27, 1944. On June 29, 1944 (mission 92) piloted by Lt. O. L. Adaik lost two engines on a return flight, and afterwards all four engines were replaced after nine days work, and was test flown by Lt. Rice. During June 1944 by Lt. Aoair (Mission #95) on a mission against Truk claimed a Zero shot down. On June 29, 1944 (Mission #98) pilot Lt. Anthony landed with a flat tire and was repaired then test flown by Lt. O'Conner. On July 10, 1944 (mission #100) bombing mission against Truk by Lt. Adair, and claimed a Zero by ball turret gunner, Sgt Marshall. On return, this B-17 buzzed the strip and photographers documented the arrival. This B-24 was the first 307th BG bomber to fly 100 combat missions. In total, this bomber flew 104 combat missions when it was retired on July 4, 1944. No crew member was lost aboard this bomber. Later, nose art of "104 Seabees" was added, and the names of crew who flew the bomber. Afterwards, sent back to the United States for war bond drives. This B-24 was officially condemned October 31, 1944. Ultimate fate unknown likely scrapped or otherwise disappeared. References "Frenisi" 307th Bomb Group (H) 371st Bomb Squadron (H) Contribute
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