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 / B-17F Aircraft / B-17F 42-3441, "SPOTTED COW" 18

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"Patches II" was an early replacement aircraft for the 547th BS, replacing the original "Patches" after that plane was salvaged in late July 1943. "Patches II" flew combat missions throughout early 1944, and was retired in the summer to serve as the 384th's assembly ship. With this, she was given a high-visibility paint job of blue polka-dots over white. She was immediately given the nicknames "Spotted Cow" and "Speckled Hen." Her mission was to orbit the airbase to allow the rest of the group formation to form up after take-off. She would definitely be hard to miss!

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