Air Force 1 Aircraft (Series 2) A00157 Consolidated B-24D Liberator Diecast Model USAAF 376th BG, 512rd BS, #42-40563 Wongo Wongo, Ploesti, Romania, Operation Tidal Wave August 1943. 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. Designed to fill a United States Army Air Corps need for a heavy bomber, the B-24 Liberator was first flown on December 29, 1939. The USAAC originally asked Consolidated to build the B-17 under license, but the company instead chose to submit a more modern design with greater speed, greater range and a heavier bomb load. Despite these advantages, the B-24 was more difficult to fly, had poor formation-flying characteristics, and was much more vulnerable to battle damage, which meant it never became the favored bomber among American aircrews. It did prove more than serviceable, however, especially for long-range missions. Air Force 1 Aircraft (Series 2). The Air Force 1 range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Air Force 1 (Series 2) diecast airplanes feature. Diecast metal construction with some plastic components. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details. Authentic markings and placard details. Metal presention stand to display the aircraft “in flight”. Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.