Back Row (viewer's left to right):

  1. 2nd Lt. Robert C. Carter, Co-Pilot
  2. 2nd Lt. Wendell A. Saferite, Pilot
  3. F/O James R. Brown, Navigator

Front Row (viewer's left to right):

  1. Sgt. Curtis W. Goodman, Engineer
  2. Sgt. Roland G. Thibault, Radio
  3. Sgt. James M. Harmon, Ball Turret
  4. Sgt. Benjamin R. Morris, Tail gunner
  5. Sgt. Frederick C. Lindo, Togglier / Gunner
  6. S/Sgt. Joseph M. Totter, Waist Gunner

 

Comments:

  1. 398th Mission No. 138: Sterkrade, Germany, 22 January 1945
  2. Crew Mission No. 5
  3. On this mission the Saferite crew flew in the Lead Squadron, left element.
  4. Aircraft flown: 44-8500 K8-F, known as Baby Shoes
  5. Aircraft in photo: probably 44-8500 K8-F, known as Baby Shoes
  6. Jason Carter related the following story told to him by his grandfather, 2nd. Lt. Robert C. Carter: "Before he passed, he told me a story about how the plane was named. The tail gunner had just become a father. His wife had just informed him of this by mailing him a pair of baby shoes. The officers favored a more aggressive name for the plane, along the lines of 'Fire from Above' (though maybe not that exact name). One of the enlisted guys suggested 'Baby Shoes'. The officers decided to put the name to a vote, and "Baby Shoes" was the winner."
  7. In the photo, tail gunner Benjamin Morris has a pair of baby shoes hanging from his parachute harness.
  8. Photo Date: 22 January 1945
  9. Photo Location: Nuthampstead
  10. Photo Reference No. SAFE01
  11. Information compiled by UK Friends of the 398th with thanks to John Morris & Scott Thiibault, and Jason Carter.
  12. If you would like to add information about this photograph, please contact our Crew Photos Coordinator. Please mention the title and photograph date.