384th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in World War II

Welcome to the 384th Bombardment Group (Heavy) Photo Gallery. This gallery makes available the photographic and documentary portion of the 384th BG record. All content on this gallery is visible to all visitors. Those wishing to enter a comment or contribute images will need to register and log in (links at left of Home page). Please register for an account when you need access beyond viewing gallery content. For additional information about the 384th BG, visit the 384th Bomb Group website⇗.

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Home / 384th During WWII / Aircraft / Piper L-4B "Grasshopper" 14

This model aircraft was called a "Grasshopper." This particular one was apparently used by Major John Humphries, a Maintenance Officer associated with the 6th Service Squadron and later the 443rd Sub Depot. The name painted on the side is Humphries' "Flying Weasel".

Note the tail decorations that mimic the identification symbols specified for combat aircraft; the Triangle-P indicating the 384th Bomb Group, the 3 at the top of the triangle indicating the aircraft belongs to the 546th Bomb Squadron, and the "designator number" - 3658 - across the base of the triangle: this aircraft is most likely serial number 43-685, making the applied designator number rong.

This aircraft is a variety of Piper Cub, which calls to mind an old aviation saying: "The Piper Cub is the safest airplane in the world; it can just barely kill you." Attributed to Max Stanley (Northrop test pilot)

NOTE: This aircraft was originally identified as an "Aeronca L-3B" but subsequent information confirmed it as a Piper L-4B (a very similar aircraft).

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