Aircraft History
Built by Martin in Baltimore, Maryland. Delivered to the U. S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-26B Marauder serial number 41-17569.

Wartime History
Assigned to the 42nd Bombardment Group, 70th Bomber Squadron. No known nickname or nose art.

On June 2, 1942 took off from Hamilton Field piloted 2nd Lt. Harold G. Miller, co-pilot 2nd Lt. Conrad A. Ray, navigator 2nd Lt. Edward J. Brinskelle and radio/engineer Sgt Leo J. Savitski as part of "C Flight" (Flight C) to Hickam Field on Oahu to join the Hawaiian Defense Command.

Afterwards, flown across the Pacific to Fiji and operated in the South Pacific assigned to 2nd Lt. Paschal M. Haynes. In early 1943, assigned to the 13th Air Force and operated in the South Pacific Theater of Operations (SOPAC). In March 1943, flown to New Caledonia for repairs at the 13th Air Depot Group (13th ADG).

On March 11, 1943 during take off from Tontouta Airfield on New Caledonia piloted by 2nd Lt. Paschal M. Haynes with co-pilot Dan Sullivan at roughly 90-100 mph, this B-26 suffered a right tire blow out that prompted the pilots to apply the breaks and cut the throttles. This B-26 swerved towards two B-25s parked on a cross runway. Applying throttle to the right engine, to avoid an impact, the right wing of this B-26 collided with the right wing of B-25C Mitchell 42-53435 damaging both bombers.

Ultimate fate unknown likely scrapped or otherwise disappeared.

References
USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-26B Marauder 41-17569
Letter from Mark G. Treat - July 2, 1997
"We lost a B-26 at New Caledonia which Pat Haynes and Dan Sullivan were in. We had taken it from Fiji for depot repair. I put Pat in the left seat to check him out on the return trip to Fiji. The right tire blew out at about 90-100 mph on takeoff. Pat hit both brakes and pulled both throttles. We were headed straight for two B-25s that were parked on a cross runway. I pushed the right throttle full open and we took a wing off one B-25 and part of our wing. Rode back to Fiji with Bob Boden."
Bombs Away! A History of the 70th Bombardment Squadron (M) in Early World War II pages 24-25, 64 (photo), 65 (crew photo), 115, 117 (photo), 158-160 (operational order 109a)

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Last Updated
October 4, 2018