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Nose art painted by AMM2c Hal
Olsen
CASU-44
Tinian, Marianas
EASY MAID PB4Y-1 BuNo 38923 VPB-116
Originally designated as B24J-CO-250 serialled 44-41328 the aircraft
was modified to US Navy specifications for the PB4Y-1 and delivered to
VPB-116 ("Blue Raiders") on 1st April 1945. Six days later it was given a test flight
by Lt Harold Williamson and his crew. Radioman on the crew, ARM1c Stan Chester
initially named the aircraft as "E-Z Maid" but the crew finally opted for "Easy Maid"
and paid Olsen $75 for his work. Five sinking Japanese ships were added as the
result of two of the plane's missions which, in addition to its patrol
bombing, also included air-sea rescue flights and anti-submarine patrol.
As well as the Williamson crew, Robert Gibbons is also known to have flown "Easy Maid"
on several occasions
between April and August 1945. At the end of hostilities, the aircraft was returned
to the USA and a section was hacked from its nose to retain the nose art painting.
Preserved, it is now part of the inventory and exhibits of the American Airpower Heritage
Museum held at Midland, Texas.
© Ray Bowden
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