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  B-25D-5 "Doodle" Serial Number 41-30015  
USAAF
5th AF
345th BG
499th BS

Click For Enlargement
345th BG c1943

Aircraft History
Built by North American Aviation (NAA). Constructors Number 87-8180. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-25D-5 Mitchell serial number 41-30015. Assigned to 1st Lt Orlen N. Lovrtin and flown overseas via Hickham Field to Australia.

Wartime History
During 1943 assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 345th Bombardment Group (345th BG), 499th Bombardment Squadron (499th BS). Nicknamed "Doodle" and assigned to 1st Lt Orlen N. Lovrtin. In October 1943, this B-25 was repainted with the squadron's "Bat Outta Hell" motif on the nose. Also flown by Captain O. A. Loverin, and other pilots.

The original crew included:
Pilot  1st Lt Orlen N. Lovrtin (KIA December 19, 1943 on C-47 bound for R&R in Australia)
Co-Pilot  1st Lt. Kenneth D. McCulure (named his next plane B-25D "Doodle Jr." 41-30164)
Navigator  1st Lt James M. Mahaffery
Engineer  SSgt Harry Zarfar
Radio-Gunner  TSgt Frank M. Dugan
Turret Gunner  SSgt Clair F. Ervin
Crew Chief  TSgt Charles L. Schell

On October 12, 1943 flew against Rabaul, October 16 Wewak, October 24 Rabaul piloted by Loverin, November 27 Boram Airfield piloted by Baker.

On February 3, 1944 from Dobodura also flew the February 3, 1944 mission against Dagua Airfield piloted by Taylor and Hollandia on April 3 piloted by Baird. In total, this B-25 flew at least 80 combat missions with the 499th Bombardment Squadron.

On July 12, 1944 transferred to a service squadron as war weary. Ultimate fate unknown, likely scrapped.

References
USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-25D-5 Mitchell 41-30015
Warpath Across The Pacific (1996) pages 216 (profile) 386, 418-419

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Last Updated
January 11, 2023

 

Tech Info
B-25
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