On June 26, Crew 10 of the 60th Squadron, led by Lt. Thomas A. Bell, achieved a record for the longest combat mission flown by a B-29, covering a non-stop distance of 4,650 miles to Hokkaido, Japan. The mission was fraught with challenges, including extended flight over hostile waters and unfamiliar terrain, high-velocity winds, and an undercast that obscured their target. Despite these difficulties, Navigator 2nd Lt. Joseph F. Callaghan ensured precise routing, and Flight Engineer Master Sergeant George W. Beaver, Jr., expertly managed fuel consumption and cruise control. The mission also faced significant obstacles, such as a malfunctioning camera and the constant threat of enemy attacks and mechanical issues. Nevertheless, the reconnaissance photographs obtained were of superior quality, thanks to the perseverance of the instrument specialist who retraced part of the route to capture essential images. For their outstanding achievement, Lt. Bell, Lt. Callaghan, Radar Observer 2nd Lt. Elmer C. Jones, and Master Sergeant Beaver were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Additionally, the ground crew, including S/Sgt Edward F. Lally, Sgt Walter J. Bodner, Sgt Anthony J. Mangiaracina, Cpl Jack D. Donathan, and Pfc Angelo P. Repucci, received special commendations for their expert maintenance, which made the historic flight possible.
Standing (Left to Right)
S/Sgt David Schulman, Radio Operator
T/Sgt John J. Essig, CFC Gunner
S/Sgt David E. Potters, Left Gunner
Sgt Thomas F Smith, Jr., Tail Gunner
S/Sgt Ralph W. Johnson, Right Gunner
M/Sgt George W. Beaver, Jr., Flight Engineer
Kneeling (Left to Right)
1st Lt Joseph F. Callaghan, Navigator
1st Lt Elmer C. Jones, Radar Observer
1st Lt Thomas A. Bell, Airplane Commander
2nd Lt Richard D. Harrison, Pilot
1st Lt Charles D. Baldridge, Jr., Bombardier
