Added by: texasoldcarguyFlight crew and ground crew talking over the 50th mission under the nose of B-17 "Idiots Delight". Mascot "Flak Jr." is being held by one of the crew. Pilot 1st Lt. Austin E. Francis of Collinsville, Illinois signs Form One as M/Sgt Renrose of Reading, Pennsylvania, Crew Chief, looks on (center). 94th Bomp Group. jpg
Added by: texasoldcarguyFlying Fortress "Idiot's Delight" completes 50th successful mission without a single abortion with raid on Berlin, 22 March 44 in which 1,400 tons of bombs dropped on the battered German capital for the 5th time. The attack was virtually unchallenged by Luftwaffe fighters in spite of ample opportunity to oppose. Flak, however, was the heaviest encountered over Berlin. Idiots Delight taxis into hardstand at then of mission as ground crew waves it in.
Added by: texasoldcarguyDebriefing Crew Idiot's Delight.jpg
Added by: texasoldcarguyIdiot's Delight Nose Art.jpg
Added by: texasoldcarguyMsgt Bingham watches Sgt Pilla paint another bomb on the side of Boeing B-17 'Idiots' Delight', of the 8th Air Force. England. The larger bomb to the right of the paintbrush is symbolic of completing their 50th mission.
Added by: texasoldcarguyPhoto of Idiot's Delight ground crew.jpg
Added by: texasoldcarguyIdiot's Delight crew photo taken 29 December 1943. Original caption stated, "Lt. John F. Cota Crew-332nd Squadron
A/C 42-30301 XM-B2 "IDIOT'S DELIGHT".jpg
Added by: texasoldcarguyCrew with mascot.jpg
Added by: texasoldcarguyIdiots delight color.jpg
Added by: texasoldcarguyIdiot's Delight Mascot Flak Jr..jpg
Added by: texasoldcarguyIdiots delight color.jpg
Added by: texasoldcarguyEdgar Sikes memorial St. James France.jpg
Added by: texasoldcarguyAir Medal.jpg
Added by: texasoldcarguyPurple Heart.gif
Added by: texasoldcarguy2788150407_2b25df5a56_b.jpg
Added by: texasoldcarguyS/Sgt Guy T. Hiatt, Covington, Kentucky, left waist gunner on "Idiot's Delight" flying his 21st mission, was saved from serious injury when a piece of flak over Berlin hit the ammunition belt of his gun. One 50 cal bullet was exploded and another badly damaged his flight jacket.jpg