1944 - North American B-25s after bombing gun positions at Bologna, Italy. Victor Sierra

In action over Italy

Official caption of this U.S. Air Force photo:  Consolidated B-24s after attacking an airfield in Italy. 

Air war over Italy

April 19, 1945: the B-25 43-35982 "Angel of Mercy" of 428th Bombardment Squadron, 310th Bombardment Group, 12th Air Force, based at Ghisonaccia, Corsica, during a mission over Rovereto's railroad bridge (North-East Italy), was hit by German Flak. The enemy AA fire knocked out the hydraulic system and main landing gear. The crew decided to crash-landing at Fano's Airport, Marche, Adriatic coast of Italy, already taken by Allies. In the photo  just a moment before the belly landing with only nose-wheel down. Victor Sierra