he B-24 Liberator with serial number 42-95023, known as Lucky Lass II, was a bomber from the 392nd Bomb Group, 577th Bomber Squadron. Initially assigned to the 492nd Bomb Group, it was transferred to the 392nd Bomb Group in August 1944.
On August 12, 1944, the aircraft was part of Mission #151, targeting Juvincourt Airfield in France. The bombers followed a complex flight path, passing east of London, then over the Cherbourg Peninsula, and finally east of Paris before reaching their target. Unfortunately, during the formation assembly phase, adverse weather conditions led to six aborted missions and a mid-air collision involving 42-95023. The aircraft crashed near Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, England, resulting in the deaths of all ten crew members:
- Pilot: 2nd Lieutenant John D. Ellis
- Co-pilot: Flight Officer Samuel C. Stalsby
- Navigator: 2nd Lieutenant Robert B. Cox
- Flight Engineer: Technical Sergeant Stanley F. Jankowski
- Radio Operator: Technical Sergeant John H. Holling
- Gunner: Staff Sergeant Clare W. Hultengren
- Left Waist Gunner: Staff Sergeant Frank Minick Jr.
- Dorsal Turret Gunner: Staff Sergeant Jay V. Cable
- Tail Gunner: Staff Sergeant Jack D. Shaeffer
- Tail Gunner: Staff Sergeant William C. McGinley
According to local accounts, 2nd Lt Ellis tried to steer the aircraft away from populated areas to avoid civilian casualties. As a tribute, a memorial plaque was placed in Cheshunt, and the crew was honored at the Cambridge American Cemetery.
Despite the tragic loss, the remaining bombers of the 392nd Bomb Group successfully dropped their bombs with reasonable accuracy on the target.