"...This navy version of the B-24 is the same type of airplane that Joe Kennedy, JFK's older brother, died flying later in the war. It was an older war-weary version such as these and was packed with explosives and was to be flown to the German's V-1 and V-2 development and launching site at Peenemunde where Kennedy and his copilot were to bail-out as the explosives-laden PB4Y flew on the crash into the launch sites. The airplane exploded in flight before they got out of English airspace..."
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Thanks for posting this Bill..
Simply incredible what missions these guys were handed also what so many would willingly volunteer for!.
In the book on Bomber Command I mentioned reading, a couple of nights ago I read about Peenemunde being the target for two nights in Aug. of '43..
Almost 600 Bombers were sent on this mission plus squadrons of the speedy plywood construction Mosquitos sent to Berlin as a diversion to draw the German fighters away from the true target..
Included in this mission were 57 aircraft and crews of the Canadian 6-Group who were happy to be flying at higher and safer altitudes in their new Lancasters (12 didn't return).
Statistics weren't a happy thing in those days especially for rear tail gunners who's average lifespan was less than 5 weeks!.
If you know a Veteran or have the opportunity to, shake his hand and salute him and his lost brothers w/ thanks for their sacrifices and the freedom our generation has grown up with!.
~ Pete