Mission 760 Project Parameters, Personnel Manifest & Phase 1 Data Points

Tech. Sergeant Russell J. Robinson, Radio Operator. 
Photo taken 12 days before Mission 760.

Chart indicating takeoff positions and wing formations, 467th. Right-click to open in new window

I. PROJECT OVERVIEW & AIMS

• Purpose: This StoryMap DataBuild (SMDB) serves as the foundational factual and temporal framework for the narrative reconstruction of Staff Sergeant Russell J. Robinson's experience aboard the B-24 Liberator Leading Lady during the mission of December 24, 1944.

• Goal: To create a meticulously detailed, verifiable timeline and spatial track of the Leading Lady aircraft and its crew, integrating quantitative flight data (time, location, altitude, speed) with qualitative events (crew actions, observations, communications, external factors).

• Guiding Principle: Adherence to VERIFIABLE FACTS and DOCUMENTED PROCEDURES. Where specifics are unknown, established Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for B-24 units in the 8th AF / 2nd AD / 96th CBW during this period will serve as the most probable baseline. Speculation will be avoided.

• Narrative Filter: The SMDB aims for objective accuracy, but the selection and emphasis of data points will be informed by the likely perspective of an enlisted crewman (Russ Robinson). The goal is to map the reality he likely experienced or could have reasonably known.

• Methodology: Chronological build, divided into Mission Phases, with Layered Data (Geo-Spatial/Time; Flight Performance; Formation/Nav; Crew Actions/Comms; External Events) indexed by TFT (Time From Takeoff). All key data points will cite sources. A separate "Standing Orders" reference will cover mission constants.

II. DOCUMENTED CREW MANIFEST: Leading Lady – Mission Dec.24/'44

(Based on mission list data & biographical research. Ranks reflect status at mission time.)

Right-click on thumbnail photos into new windows for larger versions

P (Pilot): Moseley, John Raymond  "Mose" (Capt.)
DOB: 12 Jun 1918; Enlisted: 12 Mar 1942 (Atlanta, GA); MOS: O-1092 (Pilot, B-24)

CP (Co-Pilot): Jones, Leo Leslie "Jonesy" (2nd Lt.)

DOB: 17 Aug 1923; Enlisted: 28 Sep 1942 (Pittsburgh, PA); MOS: O-1092 (Pilot, B-24)

FE/TTG (Flight Engineer/Top Turret Gunner): O'Connell, Richard Bernard "Con" (2nd Lt. / 1st Lt.)
DOB: 30 Jan 1919; Enlisted: 30 Jan 1943 (St. James, MN); MOS: O-1025 (Flight Engineer)

DN (Navigator): King, Nelson Victor "Horatio" (2nd Lt. / 1st Lt.)
DOB: 20 May 1916; Residence (Enl): Bangor, CA; MOS: O-1034 (Navigator) 

B (Bombardier): Beyer, John "Buh-Bye" (NMI) (2nd Lt. / 1st Lt.)
DOB: 23 May 1920; Enlisted: 03 Feb 1943 (Harrisburg, PA); MOS: O-1035 (Bombardier)

RO (Radio Operator): Robinson, Joseph Russell "Robbie" (T/Sgt.)

DOB: 11 Apr 1922; Enlisted: 15 Dec 1942 (Cambridge, MA); MOS: E-0757 (Radio Op-Mechanic Gunner)

AG (Armourer/Gunner): Zumalt, Eugene Reed  "Zoom" (T/Sgt.)

DOB: 29 Aug 1918; Enlisted: Jul 29 42 (Shreveport, LA); MOS: E-0612 (Airplane Armorer-Gunner)

LG (Left Waist Gunner): Womack, Solomon "Mac"
DOB: 08 Sep 1922; Enlisted: 12 Oct 42 (Jefferson City, MO); MOS: E-0748 (Airplane Mechanic-Gunner)

RG (Right Waist Gunner): Hubbard, Clifford Otto  "Hubba-hubba" (Sgt.)

DOB: 25 Mar 1924; Enlisted: 26 Sep 1943 (Hartwell, MO); MOS: E-0748 (Airplane Mechanic-Gunner)

TG (Tail Gunner): Pilarski, Joseph Anthony  "Joey" (S/Sgt.)

DOB: 22 Oct 1923; Enlisted: 15 Feb 1943 (Philadelphia, PA); MOS: E-0757 (Radio Op-Mechanic Gunner)

III. KEY DATA POINTS - MISSION PHASE 

1: Takeoff (Rackheath) to Wing Assembly (Splasher-5 @ Mundesley)

• Aircraft: B-24 Liberator Leading Lady
• Takeoff Point: RAF Rackheath, Norfolk, UK.
• ZeroPlus (LL Takeoff Time): 10:26 AM (17th in 467th BG sequence).
• Initial Climb-out: ~2 minutes straight on runway heading, then turn NNE.
• Performance Data:

- Climb Speed: 150 mph IAS.
- Rate of Climb: ~300 ft/min.

• First Assembly Waypoint (Splasher 5): Mundesley, Norfolk (Coastal, approx. 17 miles NNE of Rackheath).
• Estimated Arrival (Vicinity Mundesley): ~10:35 AM (TFT ~9 min).
• Estimated Altitude (Arrival Vicinity Mundesley): ~2,700 ft.
• Assembly Procedure: Orbit Splasher 5 (Mundesley), climbing to assigned altitude.
  
• Leading Lady96th CBW elements involved: 467th BG ("A" Group @ 11,000 ft, "B" Group @ 9,500 ft) & 466th BG ("C" Group @ 13,000 ft).

Wing Assembly Complete Time: 11:54 AM (TFT ~88 min). (96th CBW formed).