The Consolidated B-24 Liberator is an American heavy bomber, designed by Consolidated Aircraft of San Diego, California. It was known within the company as the Model 32, and some initial production aircraft were laid down as export models designated as various LB-30s, in the Land Bomber design category. At its inception, the B-24 was a modern design featuring a highly efficient shoulder-mounted, high aspect ratio Davis wing. The wing gave the Liberator a high cruise speed, long range and the ability to carry a heavy bomb load. Early RAF Liberators were the first aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean as a matter of routine. In comparison with its contemporaries the B-24 was relatively difficult to fly and had poor low speed performance; it also had a lower ceiling and was less robust than the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. While aircrews tended to prefer the B-17, General Staff favored the B-24, and procured it in huge numbers for a wide variety of roles.[4][5] At nearly 19,000 units – including over 8,000 manufactured by Ford Motor Company – it holds records as the world's most produced bomber, heavy bomber, multi-engine aircraft, and American military aircraft in history.

On August 1, 1943, the Allies launched Operation Tidal Wave - a strategic bombing mission over Nazi-occupied territory. A total of 176 B-24 Liberators set out to attack oil refineries at Ploesti, Romania, with an impressive 167 (or 94%) of them hitting their target! Unfortunately, however, 54 of these aircraft were lost over Ploesti, and another three at sea. One devastating loss included a B-24D nicknamed "Wongo Wongo," which lost control and crashed into the Mediterranean on its way to the oil refineries, killing all 10 crewmen – brave members of the 512th Bomber Squadron. In recognition of the airmen’s valiant efforts, a number of decorations were awarded including five Medals of Honor and a Presidential Unit Citation to all five USAAF bomb groups involved: 44th, 93rd, and 389th from the 8th Air Force and 98th and 376th from the 9th Air Force.

Info: B-24D Liberator USAAF 376th BG, 512rd BS, #42-40563 Wongo Wongo