B-25 Mitchell

Unidentified aircrew of the 491st Bombardment Squadron (Ringer Squadron) stand beside aircraft "43-4481", a B-25H, at Yangkai Air Base, China. The squadron-assigned, combat id number is painted on the nose wheel, '81'.

Crewmembers of the 491st Bombardment Squadron pose before a B-25J at Yangkai AB, China, probably taken in early 1944. Front: T/Sgt Ronald W. Hirtle (radio), S/Sgt Chester R. Bigelow (?) (armorer), T/Sgt David E. Murphy (engineer) Back: Capt. George L. Velan (bombardier), Lt. Douglas H. Gassett (pilot)

491st Bombardment Squadron crew stands before a B-25J at Yangkai AB, China in summer of 1944. Left to right; back row: Lt. Walter P. Guest (cp), Capt Albert V. Toney (p), Lt Albert A. Barling, Jr. (n), Lt. Curtis A. Siria [Curtis H Siria?] (b) front row: S/Sgt Ernest J. Ross (EG), T/Sgt Oliver D. Swanson (RG), S/Sgt Joe D...

Unidentified aircrew members of the 491st Bombardment Squadron at Chakulia AB, India. The Squadron's early emblem (1942-43) representing "The Bomb Jockeys" shows clearly on the side of the B-25C. The insigne was not officially accepted. Late in 1943, their "Ringers Squadron" moto and emblem were accepted. (Information courtesy of Tony Strotman)

Unidentified members, probably an aircrew, beside a B-25C of the 491st Bombardment Squadron at Chakulia, India, sometime in 1943.

Gen. Claire Chennault, Commander of 14th Air Force made a "surprise" visit to Yangkai in February 1944 to brief the flight leaders on a new bombing technique. Here he stands with officers of the 341st Bombardment Group (BmGrp), 11th, 22nd and 491st Bomb Squadrons. From left; Col. Caleb Haynes(?), Maj Edison Weatherly (22nd C.O.), Maj. James Callaway (491st CO), B.Gen...

Unidentified aircrew members beside "Chattanooga Choo Choo", an 'experienced' B-25H, at Yangkai AB, China. This 491st Bomb Squadron aircraft carries the marking of many missions flown and two Japanese ships sunk. Possibly taken in the fall of 1944 or spring of '45. Not clearly visible, beneath the long trail of white smoke painted on the nose, is a locomotive and...

B-25s of the 491st Bomb Squadron at Chakulia AB, India in 1943.

Early morning at Yankai Air Base, China. Aircrew, in flight jackets, and maintenance personnel of the the 491st Bomb Squadron prepare for a mission. This is probably a newly arrived aircraft, because the B-25D, no mission symbols are displayed below the pilot's window. Photo was probably taken in the spring of 1944. (Information courtesy of Tony Strotman)

A crew gets off (or loads to board) a B-25 in the CBI.