Nose Art Inspiration - ALBERTO VARGAS

Contributor - James A. Leddy
Caption Reads: "Lt Borman and crew of 849th BS, 490th BG pose beside their Consolidated B-24 "CLASSY CHASSIS" at an 8th AF base in England. 22 Mar 44."

Info Contributor - Tom Brittan
Never flew a combat mission in 490th BG. Transferred before 4 Jun 44 to 486th BG, 832nd BS as 3R P. After leaving that Group and while on a test flight on 24 Aug 44, it crashed at Freckleton, Lancashire, on the infants department of Holy Trinity School, slewed across the main road and demolished a snack bar. It was trying to land during a storm at the nearby BAD 2 (402nd AD), Warton, to which it was assigned at the time. This disaster claimed the lives of 38 children, 9 British civilians (including 2 teachers), four RAF sergeants and 10 USAAF personnel (including the 3 crew members on the B-24).

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