American bomber B-24 Liberator after the forced landing. B-24J-80-CO The Chambermaid, serial number 42-100227, belonged to the 38th Bomber Squadron of the 30th Bomber Group. The B-24 was damaged by the fire of antiaircraft guns and fighter jets over Iwo Jima on September 11, 1944 – two 20-mm shells caused serious damage and wounded three crew members.
After 5 hours, the bomber landed on the island of Saipan (Mariana Islands). The landing took place in difficult conditions, but all of 11 B-24 crew members survived and were awarded with the medal “Purple Heart”.
Location: Saipan, Mariana Islands
Date: September 11, 1944
Author: Jim Ridge