Famous B-25J's of the 345th BG 498th BS "Falcons"

[warbirdguy]

Does anybody know if there were any FAMOUS B-25's that flew with the 345th BG 498th BS with noseart in addition to the famous falcon nose. Sort of what Sunday Punch is like! Any info would be helpful

[Jerry O'Neill]

Mike;
I guess my first question is; What is your definition of famous?

To me, many aircraft with and w/o nose art are famous in their own right just because they have been seen in photos repeatedly. Others are famous for taking part in a special or tough mission, still others may have had a hair raising close call.

Of the 498th BG aircraft, a few come to mind that I might consider "famous":

"Red Wrath" B-25D 41-30024

Un-named "#115" B-25J #43-28115 Escorted the Japanese Surrender envoy's Betty's to Ie Shima on 8/9/45 (My favorite even though no specific nose art name)

"Hitt and Miss" B-25D #4130040

There are others, Hickey's book, "Warpath Across the Pacific" is probably the best source for info on the 345th aircraft.
Jerry