"The GOON" was probably the most publicized B-24 in the CBI, getting photos of her nose art in the January 1944 issue of 'National Geographic Magazine'. Among the twelve color photos of noseart which were in that issue, the 14th Air Force made it into the magazine with a picture of the 'The GOON'. The nose art shows the "Goon" holding a bomb.

The name came from a noted comic strip artist, E. C. Segar, however, her real fame related to her top turret gunner, T/Sgt Arthur Benko. He was written up in the 18 Oct 43 issue of 'Time' magazine after setting the record for an enlisted gunner in China. Officially Benko was finally credited with 18 Japaneses aircraft shot down. The crew's aircraft victories (flags) shown on the fuselage below the upper turret indicate sixteen for the 'GOON' at the time the photo was taken. Most of these were claimed by Benko, several during the raid on Hankow docks in August 1943.

"There was some skepticism at group headquarters as Benko's score mounted so they sent an intelligence officer on one mission. Art sent seven Japs down that day and made a believer out of the officer."

"Art's record stood at 16 confirmed victories. Then homeward bound from a Hong Kong mission with one engine out and one faltering, the pilot, Sam Skousen, hit the bailout button so that maybe the plane could clear a mountain range. Benko and Lt. Malcolm S. Sanders landed on the Jap side of the river and were captured. Later, a Catholic missionary sent the Air Force photographs of their crucifixion."

B-24 The Goon - WWII