| NAME | TP | - | M# | SER | - | BLK | - | MF | SERIAL # |
AF |
BG |
BS |
SC | RCL/# | V#-P | PHOTO CREDITS |
THUNDER BAY BABE |
B |
- |
24 |
H | - |
1 | - |
FO | 42-7623 | 15 | 449 | 717 |
~ |
40 | 00-1 | N/A |
Contributor - William Desilets
Taken at her dedication ceremony at Phelps Collins Air Field, Alpena, Michigan, 5 Sep 43. Shown with the original Ridgeway Crew which flew the "Babe" overseas to Grottie Field, Italy. Lost 24 Mar 44 over Mostar, Yugoslavia, when the ship took a direct hit from flak into the bomb bay compartment. Six crewmembers KIA and four POW.
| Standing (L-R) Pilot - Warren Ridgeway (KIA) Co-Pilot - Joseph Whitlock (KIA) Navigator - John LaCastro (KIA) Bombardier - Joe Smith (KIA) |
Kneeling (L-R) Top Turret Gunner - John Colson (KIA) Left Waist Gunner - Raymond Rabent (POW) Right Waist Gunner - George Potts (KIA) Ball Turret Gunner - Leroy Tripp (POW) Tail Gunner - Frank Riggs (POW) Radio Operator - Jack Newman (POW) |
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Best Web. Published on Veterans Day 11/11/97. Last
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September 15, 2007