Us Official Photographs

B-24 Wash's Tub in Middle East

Crew of Consolidated B-24 "Wash's Tub." One of "Liberandos" group commanded by Col. Keith K. Compton of St. Joseph, Mo. Crew mainly same one which flew her during final few missions. During 15 months in Middle East, "Wash's Tub" dropped 219 tons of bombs on Axis targets, flew 73 combat missions, including three daring low-level attacks, flew 551:35 hours in combat, shot down 22 enemy fighters, and has flown nearly 100,000 miles: Left to right: (Back row) Pilot: Capt. Edward G. Feeley, Chicago, Ill. Co-pilot: Capt. Richard W. Beck, Brooklyn, N.Y. Navigator: 1st Lt. Clifford R. Gugenhein, Los Angeles, Calif. Bombardier: 1st Lt. Irving C. Bloom, Hannibal, Mo. Radio Operator: T/Sgt. Charles J. Cannon, East Cleveland, Ohio. (Front row) Top Turret Gunner: S/Sgt. Fred R. Bond, Flint, Mich. Crew Chief: M/Sgt. Richard C. Hebert, New Orleans, La. Tail Gunner: S/Sgt. Ray W. Romick, Ogden, Utah. Engineer: T/Sgt. Frederick P. Russek, Schulenberg, Texas.