How A Bomber Became The Photo Of Death

The Story of “Extra Joker”

Named after a deck of cards, “Extra Joker” was a B-24 bomber assigned to the 451st Bomb Group stationed in Italy during the summer of 1944. For two months, this aircraft and her crew flew numerous sorties, until the tragic events of August 23, 1944.

A Critical Rule Change

On that fateful morning, the 451st Bomb Group was tasked with bombing an industrial target in Austria. A recent rule change required that the lead bomber in any mission be equipped with the new Norden bombsight, a cutting-edge device designed to improve the precision of bomb drops.

However, “Extra Joker,” slated to lead the mission, wasn’t yet outfitted with this equipment. To resolve the issue, the crew of “Extra Joker” was instructed to switch aircraft with another B-24, “Thunder Mug,” which was already equipped with the Norden bombsight.

A Fortunate Mistake

In addition to the crew switch, a photographer named Leo Stoutsenberger was scheduled to fly with “Extra Joker.” However, by a twist of fate, Stoutsenberger mistakenly boarded “Thunder Mug” instead. The crew didn’t realize the error until both bombers were already airborne.

As they flew towards Austria, three of the seven B-24s in the formation turned back due to mechanical issues, leaving just four planes. Knowing they were now more vulnerable to enemy fighters, the remaining crews pleaded to rearrange their formation, but the request was denied by their commanding officer.

Under Attack by Enemy Fighters

As the group neared their target, a warning rang out over the radio: “Bandits. Six o’clock. High.” A swarm of FW 190 German fighters appeared, diving in for the attack. The two trailing bombers were quickly shot down, and soon the fighters set their sights on “Extra Joker” and “Thunder Mug.”

In the chaos of battle, Stoutsenberger, aboard “Thunder Mug,” was in a prime position to photograph the unfolding disaster. As the German fighters closed in, “Extra Joker” was hit and went down in flames.

No parachutes were seen before it exploded. To the horror of her original crew, watching from “Thunder Mug,” their former plane was lost, leaving “Thunder Mug” as the only surviving bomber from the formation.

Guilt and Legacy

The photos taken by Stoutsenberger during the attack became well-known, especially after it was revealed that he was supposed to be aboard “Extra Joker.” Reflecting on the tragedy, he later said, “I felt guilty helplessly snapping a picture while the men were burning inside. It happened so fast that they didn’t have a chance.”

This incident remains one of the most poignant and tragic stories of the B-24 bombers in World War II, a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of war and the fine line between fate and chance.