In August 1943, a combined Liberator force from the Ninth and Eighth Air Force left North Africa destined for the giant German refineries at Ploesti, dedicated to destroying as much of these as possible and handicapping the German ability to fuel its combat forces. Despite suffering heavy losses the mission was a massive success and inflicted vast amounts of damage on major portions of the oil fields. Of the one hundred and seventy nine Liberators that left forty three were lost and a further fourteen aborted. Five hundred and thirty two aviators lost their lives.

"The Squaw" survived Ploesti and other combats, eventually returning to the United States for a promotional tour. Rather than giving the aircraft a fresh paint job, the aircraft was used to pay tribute to the bravery of those still flying and fighting with the US armed forces. Both sides of the nose were adorned with details of the battles in which the aircraft had flown while red arrows drew attention to the un-painted, patched areas of battle damage sustained by the aircraft.

The first three (below) taken in North Africa before the flight home.




And the next at "Fort Worth"











Regards Duggy.