Us Official Photographs

Lt Todt amidst B24 wreckage

1st Lt. Donald C. Todt of New Baltimore, Mich., fondles his good luck charm, a baby shoe of his infant son, Robert, as he stands amidst the wreckage of his ship, the Consolidated B-24 Liberator "Vadle Raye". Damaged by fighter attacks after successful bombing of Hamm, Germany, 22 April 44 the stricken craft was navigated back to its home airdrome by Lt. Todt where it landed with its forward section ablaze. Lt. Todt escaped through the top hatch while the ship was still moving shortly before an explosion rendered the ship a worthless hulk.