Lackland Air Force Base in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

B-24 "Liberator"

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

1. B-24 "Liberator" Marker

Inscription.

B-24 "Liberator". . The Consolidated Vultee designed B-24 was the most widely used four-engine bomber of World War II. More than 18,000 were built to fly long-range bombing missions in all theaters of the war. Its great range also made it useful for anti-submarine patrol missions. The first Liberators to go into combat were designated LB-30 and were used by the Royal Air Force of Great Britain. A later model, the B-24J, was the most famous of the Liberator series. The B-24s were the main equipment used by the 8th Air Force in the massive daylight bombing offensive of 1943-1945. They gained fame during the famous raid on the Ploesti oil industry in Romania on August 1, 1943. The 93rd, one of three 8th Air Force Bombardment Groups (389th and 44th), received one of two Distinguished Unit Citations for its exploits of that day. This B-24 represents one of the "Traveling Circus" aircraft of the 93rd Bombardment Group. This group was the oldest B-24 group in 8th Air Force. It flew more missions than any bomb group, and it was the most traveled group assigned to the 8th. The 93rd's first mission was October 9, 1942; it's last April 25, 1945, a total of 396 missions. The other Distinguished Unit Citation was awarded to the 93rd for a North African operation on December 17, 1942, and February 20, 1943., This aerospace vehicle (B-24) is a part of the USAF Heritage Program Collection., 2nd Plaque Above , Dedicated 10 February 1981 to the memory of General George S. Brown , Who flew B-24 Liberators as a 1st assignment after graduation from pilot training in 1942. As executive officer of the 329th Bombardment Squadron he took part in the famous low-level bombing raid at Ploesti, Rumania. After the lead plane and 10 others were shot down. General Brown, then a major, took over the lead of the 93rd Group. He received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions General Brown later served as Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force in 1973 and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from July 1974 until his retirement in June of 1978.

The Consolidated Vultee designed B-24 was the most widely used four-engine bomber of World War II. More than 18,000 were built to fly long-range bombing missions in all theaters of the war. Its great range also made it useful for anti-submarine patrol missions. The first Liberators to go into combat were designated LB-30 and were used by the Royal Air Force of Great Britain. A later model, the B-24J, was the most famous of the Liberator series. The B-24s were the main equipment used by the 8th Air Force in the massive daylight bombing offensive of 1943-1945. They gained fame during the famous raid on the Ploesti oil industry in Romania on August 1, 1943. The 93rd, one of three 8th Air Force Bombardment Groups (389th and 44th), received one of two Distinguished Unit Citations for its exploits of that day. This B-24 represents one of the "Traveling Circus" aircraft of the 93rd Bombardment Group. This group was the oldest B-24 group in 8th Air Force. It flew more missions than any bomb group, and it was the most traveled group assigned to the 8th. The 93rd's first mission was October 9, 1942; it's last April 25, 1945, a total

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of 396 missions. The other Distinguished Unit Citation was awarded to the 93rd for a North African operation on December 17, 1942, and February 20, 1943.

This aerospace vehicle (B-24) is a part of the USAF Heritage Program Collection.

2nd Plaque Above
Dedicated 10 February 1981 to the memory of General George S. Brown
Who flew B-24 Liberators as a 1st assignment after graduation from pilot training in 1942. As executive officer of the 329th Bombardment Squadron he took part in the famous low-level bombing raid at Ploesti, Rumania. After the lead plane and 10 others were shot down. General Brown, then a major, took over the lead of the 93rd Group. He received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions General Brown later served as Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force in 1973 and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from July 1974 until his retirement in June of 1978.

Erected by USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is February 20, 1943.

Location. 29° 23.397′ N, 98° 37.111′ W. Marker is

B-24 "Liberator" Marker - 2nd Plaque Above image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

2. B-24 "Liberator" Marker - 2nd Plaque Above

in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in Bexar County. It is on Bong Avenue south of Luke Blvd. The marker is located at the USAF Airman Heritage Museum’s Air Park which is around the parade grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jbsa Lackland TX 78236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas

and in the San Antonio Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 459th Bomb Group (H) (here, next to this marker); Medal of Honor (within shouting distance of this marker); B-25H "Mitchell" (within shouting distance of this marker); B-25 Mitchell (within shouting distance of this marker); Staff Sergeant Archibald Mathies (within shouting distance of this marker); B-17 "Flying Fortress" (within shouting distance of this

The front of the B-24 "Liberator" and Marker (right side) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

3. The front of the B-24 "Liberator" and Marker (right side)

marker); 43rd Bomb Group Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Master Sgt. Henry E. Erwin (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lackland Air Force Base.

More about this marker. The marker, museum and air park are located on the Lackland Air Force Base, an active U.S. military installation which is a part of the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). The USAF Airman Heritage Museum and Air Park are open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access. Visit the museum’s web site for current details on visiting the museum and air park.

Also see . . .
1. Airmen Heritage Training Complex. USAF Airman Heritage Museum (Submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

2. Consolidated B-24 Liberator. Wikipedia

The Consolidated B-24 Liberator is an American heavy bomber, designed by Consolidated Aircraft of San Diego, California. It was known within the company as the Model 32, and some initial production aircraft were laid down as export models designated as various LB-30s, in the Land Bomber design category.

(Submitted on August 29, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

B-24 "Liberator" image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

4. B-24 "Liberator"

B-24 Liberators at low altitude image. Click for full size.

Public Domain - US. Air Force, August 1, 1943

5. B-24 Liberators at low altitude

B-24 Liberators at low altitude while approaching the oil refineries at Ploesti, Romania, August 1, 1943. In the foreground is B-24D Li’l Jughaid, serial number 42-63758, Ninth Air Force, 98th Bombardment Group, 415th Bombardment Squadron. Pilot Lyle Spencer, co-pilot Harry J. Baker, bombardier Boyden Supiani. Photograph was taken from the 98th’s lead plane, piloted by Col. John R. Kane. Following in formation behind Li’l Jughaid is Daisy Mae, and Black Magic.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 339 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 29, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.