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Researcher's Corner

The Air Force Historical Foundation “Researcher’s Corner” is a utility created specifically to support the documentation of air power history. If you are hitting a roadblock in your research efforts, our broad base of members and web audience can be of assistance.

Submit all requests for information (in any format) to the Foundation by e-mail: execdir@afhistoricalfoundation.org.  All requests for information will be posted on this page for a period of 90 days, which can be extended by request.

If you have details on an item already posted in the “Researcher’s Corner,” please send your input using the e-mail address provided above unless otherwise noted.


Did You Fly on a Mission to Berlin?

Posted: August 5, 2010

I’m writing a book about the mission of February 3, 1945, when the Eighth Air Force dispatched 1,003 B–17 Flying Fortresses to Berlin and 434 B–24 Liberators to Magdeburg, escorted by 948 fighters. “Mission to Berlin,” will be published by Zenith Press in March 2011. I’d like to hear from veterans who participated in this mission, including pilots, aircrew members, ground support troops and from anyone who can help. This is an opportunity to help preserve the memory of all
who served and to tell this tale to a new generation of young readers.

I’m especially interested in learning more about 1st Lt. David Magel, the P–47 Thunderbolt pilot who was apparently the only American fighter pilot to lose his life on February 3, 1945.

Robert F. Dorr
3411 Valewood Drive
Oakton, Virginia 22124
(703) 264-8950
robert.f.dorr@cox.net


B-24 Liberator mission

Posted: June 7, 2010

I am looking to find data on the last mission of a particular B-24 Liberator. I have the following data:

B-24 Liberator
Name: "Wild Honey"
A/C Ser #: 42-52682
Attached to the 15th AF, 449th BG, 717th Sq.during WWII, Grottaglie, Italy.

I know the plane was heavily damaged by flak and was scrapped for salvage after the last mission. Large hole in wing and over 300 holes to flak.

I believe the last flight took place in Feb-Apr 1945.

Any help you could add to this data would be greatly appreciated.

(My Father was a member of the crew on this last flight, most likely as the tail gunner, but possibly a waist gunner).


Unidentified air crew portrait

Posted: June 7, 2010

We are seeking information on this photo, provided below