B-24 "Liberator" - Lackland AFB - San Antonio, Texas - Static Aircraft Displays on Waymarking.com

B-24
"Liberator"

The Vultee designed B-24 was the most widely used four-engine bomber of World War II.  More than 18,000 were built to fly long range bomb missions in all theaters of the world.  Its great range made it useful for anti-submarine patrol missions.  The first Liberators to go into combat were designated LB-30 and were used by the RAF of Great Britain.  A later model, the B-24J, was the most famous of the Liberator series.  The outstanding feature of all Liberators is its wing, which is an adaptation of the famous Davis high-lift airfoil.  B-24's were the main equipment used by the 8th Air Force in the massive daylight bombing offensive of 1943-1945.  They gained fame during the famous raid on the Ploesti oil industry in Romania on Sunday, 1 August 1943.  The 93rd, one of three 8th Air Force Bombardment Groups (376th & 44th), received one of two Distinguished Unit Citations for its exploits of that day.  "Hell's Wench," the lead aircraft of the 93rd, en route to the Ploesti target, continued the lead through 3 miles out and engulfed in flames from the heavy ground defense in the area.  Many others in the formation were destroyed.  On reaching the refineries, the disabled aircraft pulled into a steep climb, pointing out the targets to its followers, just before falling away and impacting the falling away and impacting in a field.  Although some of the crewmembers were seen to have bailed out, none of the ten survived.  Congressional Medals of Honor were awarded to LCOL. Addison E. Baker and MAJ. John L. Jerstad for the display of heroism in refusing to ditch the seriously damaged B-24.  Five Medals of Honor were awarded for the Ploesti Raid; four to 8th Air Force personnel.

This B-24 represents one of the aircraft of the 93rd Bombardment Group.  This Group was the oldest B-24 group in the 8th Air Force; it flew more missions than any 8th Air Force bomb group; and it was the most travelled group assigned to the 8th.  The 93rd's first mission was 9 October 1942; its last, 25 April 1945; a total of 396.

Manufacturer:  Ford	Quantity Produced (All Models):  18,036
Wing Span:  110'	Speed:  300 mph
Height:  17' 11"	Range:  4,000 miles
Empty Weight:  36,000 lbs	Altitude:  36,000'
Gross Weight:  56,000 lbs	Power Plant:  Pratt & Whitney R-183-65 Engine (1200 housepower)

Information from sign in front of aircraft.

Type of Aircraft: (make/model): B-24 "Liberator" Tail Number: (S/N): None shown Construction:: original aircraft Location (park, airport, museum, etc.): Lackland AFB inside / outside: outside Other Information:: Dedicated 10 February 1981 to the memory of General George S. Brown Who flew B-24 Liberators as a 1st Assignment after graduation from pilot training in 1942. As Executive Officer of the 329th Bombardment Squadron he took part in the famous low-leve Access restrictions: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   02/02/2013 VT9A5CC visited it 08/07/2010 Team 57 visited it

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