A B-26 Marauder

A B-26 Marauder

This medium bomber was the most accurate bomber in the Ninth Air Force, but it still required escort from P-47 Thunderbolts

The Martin B-26 Marauder was flown in every Theater of Operations during the war. Although very accurate in bombing, they were vulnerable to enemy aircraft, requiring bomber escorts from P-47s and P-51s. Also, Colonel Joseph Laughlin managed to pester General Otto Weyland to the point that he offered up a B-26 for the 362nd Fighter Group's use; if they could get it running. The grounds crew did and the 362nd F.G. became the envy of every fighter group in the Ninth Air Force as they used the Marauder to get supplies and R & R for the men.

Glenn L. Martin Company

National Museum of the United States Air Force

United States Air Force

Early 1940s