The crew of "Old 59", and well-wisher Barbara Vatter (American Red Cross Nurse at Yangkai) pose for a photo as the crew, after many, many combat missions, prepares to return to the USA. Once back in America they were scheduled to participate in a war bond tour.
Frank Bates had noted, "That's Bill Murphy holding the bull." The crew stands behind the cart, from the left, Capt. Robert Ebey (pilot), Lt Paul Sjoberg (cp), Sgt Francis Donnelly (rg), S/Sgt Lyle Wilson (eg), S/Sgt Rudolph Madsen (ag), Barbara Vatter, Lt.Hilliard Peavey (n) and on the water buffalo, Maj. James Callaway, Commander of the 491st Bomb Squadron. Lt. George Jernigan (bombardier) is missing from the photo.