An American B-29 bomber on an airfield in China, before taking off to bomb targets in Japan; December, 1944.

 

Taking off for a bombing mission

The crew of the American bomber B-26C-6-MO, named  "Miss Emily" (serial number 41-34719) after returning from a sortie. A bomber from the 323rd bomb group of the United States Army Air Corps was damaged by anti-aircraft fire during a raid over the French commune of Merville, northern France, 30 kms. west of the city of Lille. The explosion of a projectile near the plane blew off the nose glazing and shrapnel pierced the fuselage in the area of ​​the co-pilot's seat, who was saved by an anti-fragmentation vest. All the airmen survived; August 18, 1943.

Successful return from a raid

US Air Force 401st Bomber B-17 Flying Fortress gunner Sgt. Harold Rogers with mascot dog "Mister" before flying to bomb targets in Germany. - Rogers flew 25 successful combat missions with the dog. After that, he served as an instructor in the United States, but returned to the Front, leaving the dog in his homeland; March 3, 1944.