Corgi AA34006 Consolidated B-24J Liberator USAAF 90th BG, 321st BS, #44-40193 "Booby Trap", Mindoro, The Phillipines, February 1945

Corgi AA34006 Consolidated B-24J Liberator Diecast Model USAAF 90th BG, 321st BS, #44-40193 "Booby Trap", Mindoro, The Philippines, February 1945

 This aircraft is typical of the natural metal B-24s operated by the 'Jolly Rogers' (90th BG) in the last year of the war. Booby Trap operated from McGuire Field, which the 90th Bombardment Group shared with the 380th BG 'Flying Circus'. The tail markings are well known but less familiar to most because the 'Jolly Rogers' also had an A-20 and a C-47 with the same emblem, the skull and crossed bombs. The crew of Booby Trap were as follows: Major Stanley P Robeck, Unit Commander; 2 Lt John E Wise Jr, navigator: 2 Lt Irving Weinberg, bombardier; T/Sgt Leon E Lins, engineer; T/Sgt George J Erickson, radio operator; S/Sgt Kenneth A Johnson, gunner: S/Sgt George R Rothenberger, gunner: and S/Sgt James A Bregory, gunner. 44-40193 had made its first flight on 6th March 1944 and was delivered to the AAF at San Diego 48 hours later.

Consolidated B-24J Liberator
Designed to fill a United States Army Air Corps need for a heavy bomber, the B-24 Liberator was first flown on December 29, 1939. The USAAC originally asked Consolidated to build the B-17 under license. Still, the company chose to submit a more modern design with greater speed, range, and heavier bomb load. Despite these advantages, the B-24 was more difficult to fly, had poor formation-flying characteristics, and was much more vulnerable to battle damage, which meant it never became the favoured bomber among American aircrews. It did prove more than serviceable, however, especially for long-range missions.