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  B-29-5-BW "Postville Express" Serial Number 42-6279  
USAAF
20th AF
468th BG
792nd BS

MIA
Click For Enlargement
MIA
792nd BS c1944

Aircraft History
Built by Boeing at Wichita, Kansas. Constructors Number 3413. On May 1, 1944 delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-29-5-BW Superfortress serial number 42-6279. Ferried overseas to China Burma India (CBI).

Wartime History
Assigned to the 20th Air Force (20th AF), 468th Bombardment Group (468th BG), 792nd Bombardment Squadron (792nd BS). Assigned to pilot Major Donald Humphrey, C.O. 792nd Bombardment Squadron of Postville, Iowa. Nicknamed "Postville Express". On the nose was painted bomb markings for missions and camel markings for flights over "The Hump". In total, this bomber flew thirteen bombing missions from India and China and eight missions over "The Hump" over the Himalaya Mountains.

On June 15, 1944 this B-29 piloted by Humphrey took off from China and flew as the lead bomber during the first B-29 raid against Yawata.

On August 20, 1944 took off from Pengshan Airfield in China piloted by Humphrey on a bombing mission over Yawata. Aboard were several war correspondents and photographers. Over the target, this bomber was the first to release its bombs, amidst heavy anti-aircraft fire. A ramming attack by Ki-45 Nick piloted by Sgt Nobe downed the B-29 "Gertrude C" 42-6368 and B-29 "Calamity Sue" 42-6334 both in the same formation.

On November 21, 1944 took off from Pengshan Airfield in China on a bombing mission over Omura. Over the target at roughly 1:48am, the right blister of this bomber blew out and right gunner  TSgt Norman E. Stiffler, 13030165 was sucked out, and observed to be trying to deploy his parachute. The rest of the crew and bomber returned to base safely. Stiffler's remains were recovered postwar and are buried at Honolulu Cemetery (Punchbowl) section F grave 1020.

During late 1944, this bomber was declared war weary and returned to the United States. Ultimate fate unknown, likely scrapped.

References
Note, in a postwar interview, former pilot Donald Humphrey calls B-29 42-24704 "Postville Express" incorrectly.
USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-29-5-BW Superfortress 42-6279
"6279 (468th BG, 792nd BS) MIA Nov 21, 1944, Pacific. MACR 9866. Fate of crew unknown."
Missing Air Crew Report 9866 (MACR 9866)
B-29 Hunters of the JAAF page 13, 15

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Last Updated
November 9, 2019

 

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