HISTORY

An official USAAF photo of “My Baby” with McCarty and crew. Mission markings, a day off for the 1st Bomb Division, and transfer to “Texas Chubby, the J-ville Jolter” on August 11, indicate that this

photo was taken at Bassingbourn on the morning of August 10, 1944. Back row, L-R: 1LT David McCarty Jr., Pilot; 2LT James McElroy, Co-Pilot; 2LT Ernest Austin, Navigator; 2LT Frank Bolen, Bombardier; and SGT George Hawes, Radio Operator. Front row L-R: Cecil Seeking, Ball Turret; Harold Beeman, Waist Gunner; Floyd “Tex” Dillon, Tail Gunner; T/Sgt. David Wolnowitz, Top Turret. Of those shown

only McCarty, Dillon, and Bolen were on “Roxy’s Special” when she was shot down on September 8, 1944. Of these only Bolen survived to become a POW. [NARA]

about his second and last and “My Baby’s” 58th

and last mission.

Small piece of “My Baby “ recovered from her crash-site

years after her dismiss.

Image of Tony Starcer’s

artwork on “My Baby”.

The original color photo

faded, but the colors indicated conform to Bob

Kelley’s recollection.

[Kelley]

November 2023

INFO Eduard

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