Us Official Photographs

Martin B-26 Marauder in air war

In one of the most unusual action series of the air war, this ill-fated Martin B-26 Marauder of U.S. 9th Air Force was photographed by cameraman of a Combat Camera Unit just before and during the catastrophe which occurred as the armada of medium bombers attacked military targets at Wittlich, Germany. More flames burst from inner wing as disabled bomber lurches over. Motor with propeller still whirling, breaks out of wing inferno as Marauder plummets earthward through the clouds. No parachutes were seen to open.