Capt Baldwin (pilot) became on this day, the first 303rd BG officer to complete 25 missions combat tour (source 303rdbg.co
1Lt Bone (bombardier
S/Sgt Godwin (tail gunner
S/Sgt "Fred" Meddaugh Jr (right waist gunner
T/Sgt "Birddog" Warren (radio
14 may 1943 (mission to Kiel)
(303rd BG, 358th BS, "Hells Angels") was first aircraft to complete 25 combat missions in 8th AF, doing so May 14, 1943. Returned to USA after 48th mission Dec 13, 1943. Scrapped Aug 14, 1945. The "Memphis Belle" crew actually flew some of its 25 missions on other planes.
http://www.303rdbg.com/history.html
I’m GUESSING that even though the ‘Bell’s crew completed some of its 25 missions in other 17s, the glory of a team, a cohesive crew surviving 25 missions was more of a recruiting asset than an assemblage of aluminum, steel and lead. Unless ‘Angels maintained the same crew for their first 25 with no losses due to combat or malfunction, I think Captain Morgan and crew merited the credit they werre given.
Both deserve the utmost respect. What is was is that the MB, came home after 25 missions, but was actually beat by 7 days in the race to fly 25 missions. The HA, flew more missions and still came home. Both crews deserve a round of respect.
The Memphis Belle and crew was sent of a War Bond tour. It has been suggested that the more socially acceptable name of the Belle led to she and crew being chosen for fame. Not sure I buy that given Howard Hughes’ movie. In any case, anyone who flew bombers in WWII deserves respect. The casualty rate for 42-43 was close to 85%! My uncle was shot down on mar18 1944, on 9 hour mission. 9 hours at 50 below zero in an unheated unpressurized, “open” aircraft, while being attacked by flak and fighters! The amazing thing is that anyone completed mission #2, much less 25 or eventually 35! Utmost respect indeed! I do not mean to suggest that other groups had it easier. The entire war is astonishing.
Al bomber crews deserve the highest respect. Agreed!