Commando 44-77512
Aircraft Identification
VARIANT: Curtiss C-46D-10-CU Commando
USAAF SERIAL NUMBER (S/N): 44-77512
CURTISS CONSTRUCTION NUMBER (C/N): 32908
COMMANDO LINE NUMBER (L/N): CU1444
FATE: Written off
Operational Record
December 1944 to March 1945
44-77512 - USAAF (USA)
8 December 1944
Delivered from the Curtiss-Wright factory in Buffalo, NY.
21 January 1945
Assigned to the 8th Air Force.
February 1945
Assigned to the 9th Air Force, 52nd Troop Carrier Wing, 313th Troop Carrier Group, 48th Troop Carrier Squadron based at Grevillers-Achiet (B-54), France.
Marked "Z7-T".
24 March 1945
Went missing over Germany during Operation Varsity (fatalities). [MACR 13422]
Crew:
2nd Lt. Gerald B. Hamilton, Pilot (KIA, pictured right)
2nd Lt. Wayne Wilson, Copilot (KIA)
S/Sgt Albert E. Lewis, Radio Operator
T/Sgt. Wenzel T. Klimek, Crew Chief (injured)
The Commando, flying as Chalk 50, was hit by flak near Wesel, and was seen catching fire in flight. It crash landed on the northeastern bank of the Rhine.
Condemned, missing in action.
Last edited: 05/04/2024