556TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON, MEDIUM

Jezebel
Sweatin' Five
Martin B-26B-25-MA Marauder
Sn: 41-31811
Squadron Code: FW-X

        On February 14, 1945, the 387th Bombardment Group attacked the Kron Prinz Wilhelm railroad bridge that spanned the Rhine River at Engers, Germany. It was one of the most, if not the most, notable flak concentrated targets that the Group ever undertook. The Group's bombing accuracy on the mission was surperb, with several direct hits scored on the span. Unfortunately, faulty fuse settings prevented this critical target from being destroyed.

        Sweatin' Five, piloted by 2nd Lt. Edward Walker, was hit by flak during the course of the attack. Lt. Walker managed to fly the battered aircraft back to Station A-71. He landed the plane, but due to damage to the plane the aircraft's nose gear failed to extend properly. Consequently, Sweatin' Five ran off the end of the runway and nosed over. Lt. Walker and his crew were not injured. The aircraft was salvaged for parts.