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.
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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


