
Men & Machines
The B-17
A powerful aircraft, find out more here.
The B-24
Played a massive part in the war, find out more here.
Crashes & Missing Crew
Take a look at some accounts of crashes at home and overseas.
Men and Machines
The 490th Bomb Group was a complex organization, From the aircrews who flew the missions to the ground crews who kept the aircraft flying, every single person was crucial to the group’s success.
The Aircrews
The aircrews of the 490th Bomb Group were the men who flew the missions, braving enemy fire and treacherous weather conditions to deliver their payloads. These men were the tip of the spear, the ones who put it all on the line every time they took to the skies.
- Pilots: The pilots of the 490th Bomb Group were the leaders of the aircrews, responsible for navigating the aircraft and making the tough decisions.
- Co-Pilots: The co-pilots were the second-in-command, assisting the pilot and taking control of the aircraft when necessary.
- Navigators: The navigators were responsible for plotting the aircraft’s course and ensuring that the crew reached their target.
- Bombardiers: The bombardiers were the men who actually dropped the bombs, using their skills and training to ensure accurate delivery.
- Radio Operators: The radio operators were the men who kept the aircraft in contact with base and other aircraft, providing critical communication support.
- Gunners: The gunners were the men who defended the aircraft from enemy fighters, using their machine guns to protect their crewmates.
The Ground Crews
The ground crews of the 490th Bomb Group were the men and women who kept the aircraft flying, working tirelessly to maintain and repair the planes.
- Mechanics: The mechanics were the men who kept the aircraft’s engines running, performing routine maintenance and repairs.
- Armorers: The armorers were the men who loaded the bombs and ammunition onto the aircraft, ensuring that the aircrews had the firepower they needed.
- Electrical and Instrument Technicians: The electrical and instrument technicians were the men who kept the aircraft’s electrical and instrument systems functioning, ensuring that the aircrews had the information they needed to fly safely.
- Sheet Metal Workers: The sheet metal workers were the men who repaired and maintained the aircraft’s skin and structure, keeping the planes airworthy.
The Aircraft
The 490th Bomb Group flew the B-24 Liberator, a four-engine heavy bomber that was one of the most widely used aircraft of World War II.
- B-24 Liberator: The B-24 Liberator was a versatile aircraft, capable of carrying a wide range of payloads and performing a variety of missions.
- Specifications: The B-24 Liberator had a wingspan of 110 feet, a length of 67 feet, and a height of 18 feet. It was powered by four Pratt & Whitney R-1830 engines and had a top speed of 300 mph.
Nose Art and Markings
The aircraft of the 490th Bomb Group were often decorated with nose art and markings, which were used to identify the plane and its crew.
- Nose Art: The nose art of the 490th Bomb Group’s aircraft was often humorous or ironic, reflecting the personalities of the crew.
- Markings: The markings on the aircraft were used to identify the plane and its crew, and often included the aircraft’s serial number, squadron insignia, and other identifying features.
Preserving the History of the 490th Bomb Group
The 490th Bomb Group is committed to preserving the history of the men and machines that served with the group. We work closely with historians, researchers, and veterans to ensure that the stories of the 490th Bomb Group are preserved for future generations.
View our photo gallery above to see images of the men and machines of the 490th Bomb Group.
Explore our archives above to learn more about the history of the 490th Bomb Group.