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Liberators Over Europe
The B-24 Liberator flew 400 bombing missions over Europe during World War II, losing some 10,000 airmen and 1,000 aircraft between 1942 and 1945. This edited sequence, from the 1947 Air Force film "Liberators Over Europe," captures some of the "Lib" bomber's best-known missions, starting with the intense raid on the German oil depot at Ploesti, Romania in August 1943 (see "The Great Escape"). The B-24 named Boomerang suffered a near-fatal attack, but limped back to base and launched anew for another 53 missions before returning stateside as a goodwill ambassador. Other scenes include an intensive bombing campaign mounted against north German ports; D-Day on June 6, 1944, beginning with beach bombing at Normandy followed by tree-level ground support and parachute runs over French countryside; and escorting the Army over the Rhine and ultimately to victory. (6:00)
Related Article
Two Days in the Life of a B-24 Crew
Take a fantasy flight in a real, live Liberator.
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Comments (9)
I had a first cousin, James Cranwell, who was a navigator on a B-24, out of England.
He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bringing the B-24 back to England, after dark, after all the navigation equipment got destroyed by flak.
He brought the bomber back, by using the stars, in the sky, only.
I am very proud of him !
Mike Burch - Daytona Beach, Florida
Posted by MIKE BURCH on May 19,2011 | 12:59 PM
My husband John D. Collins flew out of Rackheath, England with the 8AF, 2AD, 467BG, 790BS. He completed 17 missions on the "Witchcraft". While flying a makeup mission on "Perils of Pauline" was shot down over Germany (East Prussia). J.D. was German POW over 10 months in Stalag Luft IV. He survived, was career USAF MSgt Retired. Later he was employed by NASA Johnson Space Center and flew many research and development missions as crew member, especially Earth Resources Survey program. He retired again in 1979, died 2010. Forever in my heart.
Evon A. Collins
Houston, TX
Posted by Evon A. Collins on July 16,2011 | 07:17 PM
Congrats to Mr. Cranwell and his heroic crew.
Posted by gw bicknell on July 18,2011 | 12:15 AM
Too bad the picture that's shown with the video of Liberators Over Europe has to be the tail gunner's position on a B-17.
Posted by Michael Hill on August 4,2011 | 12:31 PM
I would just like to salute John D. I am from North Platte NE where this Sept 16th, 17th, and 20th we are saluting Airman Paul DeLuna of North Platte, a aerial gunner who lost his life when the B-24 "Peril of Pauline" was shot down over Germany in 1944.
Posted by Wm Kackmeister on September 4,2011 | 03:46 PM
My late father in law - T/Sgt. Norman Casey was a radio operator on a B-24 stationed at Hethel airbase in England. (Eighth AF, 389th Bomb Group, 566th Squadron) It took many years before he discussed this openly as his crew was shot down by flak over Bremen Germany on their final mission, and spent the last 16 months of the war as a POW's in Stalag 17B. What a hero he was, as were all those who served and still serve.
Posted by Merle Cochran on February 13,2012 | 02:06 PM
I would like to find a picture of the B-24 Liberator bomber nicknamed boomerang, and its crew.
Posted by Ken Little on November 5,2012 | 12:45 AM
my grandpop, Lt. Col. Charles Yates, was a crew member of the B-24 named Boomerang. He never said much about the War but often spoke highly of his plane and his crew. A year ago tomorrow marks the anniversary of his passing...not a day goes buy I don't think about what he did for me and how grateful I am the "Boomerang" stayed true to her name and always came home. Miss you Grandpop
Posted by billy kidd on November 13,2012 | 01:49 PM
My late father, Roy L. "Leon" Rainwater, was a member of the original crew of "Perils of Pauline," flying the Southern Route from the US to Rackheath. He flew 35 combat missions with the 790th Squadron, 467th BG, and had finished his tour when "The Pauline," as he always called her, was lost. Among his awards is the Distinguished Flying Cross.
The commander of the 790th BS, Fred Holdrege, is still alive as of the date of this posting, 02/08/2013, now in his 90's.
Lest we forget the heroism of those who served in The Mighty Eighth . . . . . a respectful "Hand, SALUTE!"
Posted by Ross Rainwater on February 8,2013 | 03:24 AM