556TH
BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON, MEDIUM
Itsy Bitsy
Martin B-26B-20-MA Marauder
Sn: 41-31679
Squadron Code: FW-K
556TH
BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON, MEDIUM
Itsy Bitsy
Martin B-26B-20-MA Marauder
Sn: 41-31679
Squadron Code: FW-K
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Crew Chief: T/Sgt. James E. Stalnaker
Asst. Crew Chief: Sgt. Seymour Cohen
Itsy Bitsy was one of the
original cadre of B-26s that formed the 556th Bomb. Squadron. Navigator
Art Newett reports that he suggested the name: Pilot Jess Watson's wife
was nicknamed "Bitsy". The crew to which the aircraft was originally assigned
and that flew the aircraft from the United States to England was:
| Pilot
CP B/N EG ROG AG C.C. |
1st Lt.
2nd Lt. 2nd Lt. S/Sgt. T/Sgt. S/Sgt. T/Sgt. |
Jess A. Watson
Thomas W. Deering Arthur W. Newett, Jr. Curtiss L. Christley Andrew Smerek Carl O. Kihlstrom James E. Stalnaker |
Itsy Bitsy made a
total of 58 sorties. On August 8, 1944 the aircraft was scheduled
to participate in a mission against the Soesterberg Airfield. During formation
assembly, Itsy Bitsy and Double Trouble collided in the clouds.
2nd Lt. Sam Ayers, piloting Itsy Bitsy, was able to safely crash-land
his stricken plane. 1st. Lt. Edward Sargant's crew was not as fortunate;
all were killed in action when Double Trouble plunged to earth and
crashed. Itsy Bitsy was salvaged for parts.