In 21 months of combat, Flak Bait acquired more
than 1,000 holes, had its hydraulic system shot out twice and its electrical
system once, returned twice on one engine, and came back once with an
engine on fire. By war's end, it had flown 202 bombing missions, more
than any other American bomber over Europe.
Martin B-26B
Marauder Flak Bait
Flak Bait served with the 449th BS, 322nd BG, Eighth and Ninth U.S. Army Air Forces. This famous B-26 flew from bases in England and, after D-Day (on which it flew two missions), from bases in France and Belgium.
Flak Bait is currently undergoing preservation treatment in the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar. This is a preservation, not restoration. This effort includes undoing a 1070s restoration to reveal the original paint layers and previously obscured markings. When complete, the aircraft will present a more honest and authentic state of preservation - showing battle damage and the wear and tear of use.