The Story of a B-26 That Fought On Despite a Missing Wing

On July 10, 1944, First Lieutenant Murray B. Wigington of the 441st Bomber Squadron prepared for a perilous mission in Northern Italy. His target was a key railroad bridge near Marzabotto, which was critical to German supply lines. Defending the bridge were over 60 flak cannons, making this one of the most dangerous bombing assignments. Wigington’s aircraft for the day was a B-26 Marauder, known for its speed, durability, and low loss rate among Allied bombers during World War II. Despite its robust design, the odds were stacked against the crew.

The B-26 was powered by two Pratt & Whitney Double Wasp engines, each producing 2,200 horsepower. Its firepower included four .50 caliber machine guns, and it could carry a bomb load of 4,000 pounds. While not as celebrated as the P-51 Mustang, the Marauder had a reputation for surviving intense combat situations. Wigington’s B-26C, tail number 42-107566, was ready for takeoff at 2:50 p.m., joining a formation of 20 Marauders from the 320th Bomber Group.

Into Hostile Skies

The mission began with a steep dive toward the target to avoid concentrated anti-aircraft fire. As the formation approached Marzabotto, the sky filled with smoke and shrapnel from the German flak defenses. A direct hit from an 88mm shell struck Wigington’s B-26, severely damaging the tail section. Despite losing much of the vertical stabilizer and one horizontal stabilizer, Wigington and his crew maintained control of the aircraft and pressed on toward the target.

Continuing with the bombing run meant the aircraft could no longer perform evasive maneuvers, leaving it vulnerable to further attacks. Another direct hit tore off nearly the entire left wing of the Marauder. Miraculously, the plane remained airborne for several seconds, maintaining level flight due to its high speed and the crew’s skilled use of the remaining control surfaces. Other bombers in the formation captured photographs of the incredible scene as Wigington’s aircraft defied gravity for a brief moment longer.

The Final Moments

Despite their efforts, the damage proved insurmountable. The B-26 crashed into a hill outside Lama di Reno with its bombs still onboard. All six crew members were killed in the crash. Initially listed as missing in action, their remains were later recovered and returned to the United States. On December 7, 1949, they were given a full military burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Honoring Their Memory

The original tail gunner, Sergeant Harvey Lias, had been unable to join the mission due to illness. Devastated by the loss of his crewmates, he dedicated himself to preserving their memory. Decades after the war, Lias committed to locating the crash site in Italy. With the help of local residents, he finally succeeded in the early 1990s. Lias placed a plaque at the site to honor his friends, ensuring their sacrifice would never be forgotten.