B-24D "Raunchy" Serial Number 42-72980

USAAF
7th AF
27th BG
30th BS

 

Pilot  Captain Robert R. Orr
Co-Pilot  1st. Lt. Robert K. Ellison
Navigator  2nd. Lt. Siegfried F. Benkman
Bombadier  1st. Lt. Peter J. Fiore (KIA)
Engineer  T/Sgt. Hoyt H. Bean
Asst. Engineer  T/Sgt. Hoyt H. Bean
Radio  S/Sgt James W. Smith
Asst. Radio  S/Sgt.  Robert J. Weber
Tail Gunner  S/Sgt.  Earl L. Overstreet
Passenger  1st. Lt. George L. Wagner
Crashed  November 19, 1943

Mission History
After a bombing mission over Makin Atoll, this bomber crashed near the runway of Nanumea Airfield into a clump of palm trees on the right of the runway. The crosswinds were very strong when the plane crashed during its night time landing. One died in the crash, and others were wounded. The rest of the crew survived.

Relatives
Pete Fiore (son) adds:
"The photo I have is very poor and as I can see their was no nose art only the name "Raunchy", their might of also been the number 252 on the nose."

Wreckage
The wreckage of this bomber is still located near the airfield.

Contribute Information

 

Tech Information
B-24

 

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