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B-26 LF3 identification

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Betterblue
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B-26 LF3 identification

I have a photo of my father (with a crew) in front of a B-26 with the identification LF3. I assume it was at training after bombardier school. I'm not sure if he was at Barksdale or Lake Charles, can you tell from the marking?
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    deefeater
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    Re:B-26 LF3 identification (permalink)
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    From what I have recently learned by the excellent work of a B-26 researcher in UK, the identification code LF3 on the aircraft can be interpreted as such (valid from 1944 onwards):
    • L indicates Lake Charles
    • F indicates Flight Number
    • 3 indicates aircraft number
    Lake Charles, Louisiana was 3rd AF, 332 BU (Air Base Unit), formally 336th BG. If possible, a scan of the Marauder is welcome.
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    Tom22
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    Re:B-26 LF3 identification (permalink)
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    Hi Brian & Alf,
     
    The III Bomber Comand of the Third AF and the 56th CCTW of the First AF (which was transferred from the Third AF) used a Base Unit field buzz number system: X X#, first letter is the field, then a space, then a squadron assigned A/C letter and then a number assigned to the BU squadron.
     
    The pre BU field buzz number system for III Bomber Comand was blocks of numbers in the thousands for the unit and plane number in that unit.
     
    Attach are examples of B-26s at Lake Charles pre and post BU reorganization.
     
    Yes, they did use the confusing letters I and O for the assigned A/C letter in the BU system.
     
    Hope this helps you.
     
    Tom

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    Mutley
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    Re:B-26 LF3 identification (permalink)
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    Do you know what group your father went on to serve with? As you don't mention his name, or that of any of his crew, anybody that may be able to help you research further, cannot help you!

    If he was in the 397th Bomb Group, I am more than willing to help you in your research! If in another group, i can at least point you in the right direction to research further!

    Mutley
    397th historian
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    Betterblue
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    Re:B-26 LF3 identification (permalink)
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    My father (FO, later 2nd LT) Richard (Dick) Donnelly was in the 386th Bombardment Group, 556th Bomber Squadron. He arrived in the ETO in 9/44.
     
    I think in the crew in the picture, (comparing them with other shots) are Lts. Allen Williams (pilot,) Bob Willis (pilot) and three enlisted. I think one is Sgt. Harold Schweighart, have no ideas on the other two.
     
    I will try to get the picture scanned in the next couple of days.
     
    Brian
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    flashlarue
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    Re:B-26 LF3 identification (permalink)
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    I have a photo of another crew standing in front of B-26 LF3. On the back of the photo it lists the crew as: Charles M. Cook, pilot; L. E. Kanter, co. pilot; J. H. Robinson, Bombardier; D. S. Hamrick, engineer, V. K. Hale, radio operator; J. B. Chinn, armorer-gunner. On the front of the photo it has written; Crew #10, To M. J. Pare.
     
    post edited by flashlarue -

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    jdvoss
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    Re:B-26 LF3 identification (permalink)
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    Hello  flashlaru:
    I would like to add the phto of the B-26 (LF3) to my website  www.fuselagecodes.com
    you can contact me at webmaster@fuselagecodes.com
     
    Thanks!!
    John
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