Painting Skull and Crossed Bombs on 90th BG, 320th BS B-24D 41-23849 “Eager Beaver”
“The EAGER BEAVER,” a B-24D Liberator flown by 1Lt Charles Whitlock, was part of the initial fleet of the 90th Bomb Group, known as the ‘Jolly Rogers,’ stationed at Port Moresby, New Guinea during 1942-43. Its construction started on August 6, 1942, and it was completed 14 days later. Delivered to the Army Air Forces on August 26, 1942, this aircraft, unlike many others, retained its original nose design without the B-24J-style nose turret.
1Lt Charles Whitlock became the pilot of “The EAGER BEAVER” after his previous aircraft, “LITTLE EVA,” was shot down on a mission. Whitlock quickly rose through the ranks to become a major and later served as the deputy group commander under Harry Bullis, who succeeded Arthur Rogers as the group’s commander. The crew chief for 41-23849 during its active service was Sgt Bernard Hanson, and Capt Wiley Wood also piloted the bomber.
“The EAGER BEAVER” earned a commendable record, reportedly completing 77 missions, downing three Japanese Zeroes, and sinking three ships. In the fall of 1943, the aircraft returned to the United States to participate in a war bond drive due to its distinguished service. Whitlock, upon his return to the U.S. the following year, encountered “The EAGER BEAVER” again while it was being prepped for use as an instructional aid, recognizing it by its tail number.