Ghost Ship (B24)

This menacing looking B24 was painted by ground crew aircraft mechanics, Don Smith and Al Hopkins (C flight - 833rd). Originally, they were only able to paint the starboard side before the plane began flying operationally, and would only be finished several weeks later. Stories began to circulate about the "Ghost," or "mystery" ship. Other crews, not knowing the aircraft's nose art wasn't finished on both sides would "lose sight" of this B24. The aircraft would seem to "disappear" is it maneuvered in the formation. Photo submitted to the O&W N/L Spring '91 by Don Smith.

The aircraft has been subsequently identified as 4N:800:S, and flew only 9 missions with the 833rd, when she was transferred to the 834th (2S:800:R). Originally known as "Winnie the Pooh" in her original bomb group (34th BG(H)), she returned there when the 486th transitioned to B17s. Eventually, she was sent to the 406th, and painted black for night ops.

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