USAAF
5th AF
3rd BG
8th BS
August 28, 1943
Justin Taylan 2003
Pilot 1st Lt. Robert B. Widener, O-791744
Co-Pilot 2/Lt Bernard Lazarus, O-795411
Gunner Sgt James W Lefler, 16019155
Crashed August 28, 1943
Aircraft History
Possibly nicknamed "Reluctant Dragon".
Mission History
Damaged from the bomb blast of a preceding plane,
it was hit while strafing a 500-ton 'sugar charlie' ship in eastern Hansa
Bay. The
hit immediately brought the bomber down, crashing into the Bay,
its demise was captured
by
a series of
three photos from the B-25 ahead of it titled 'Death of a Grim
Reaper'. The
entire crew was instantly killed.
References
Thanks to Daniel
Leahy for wartime photos.
B-25
Then & Now
