This collection consists of the target bomb run diary (three typewritten pages) of Patrick McKeon, a bombardier for the 8th Air Force, 34th Bombardment Group from May 24, 1944 to January 2, 1945. The collection also contains one 8 by 10 inch black and white photograph of the 34th Bombardment group's Belchin' Bessie Consolidated B-24 Liberator with five of its crew posed by the nose art, including McKeon on far right.
Biographical / Historical:
The 34th Bombardment Group was assigned to the Eighth Air Force in April 1944 and entered combat in May 1944. The Group helped with the preparation for the Normandy invasion by bombing airfields and coastal defenses in France, and continued to support ground forces as they moved eastwards.
Provenance:
Karen McKeon, Gift, 2017
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access.
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests
Topic:
World War, 1939-1945 -- Aerial operations Search this