This Day in History: Operation Carpetbagger

Might need to go back to carrier pigeons...

Thanks for this post -- kudos to these warriors

Another unit that finally gets long overdue recognition. The "Joe Hole" in the floor of the later versions of the B-24 were where the Ball Turret had been removed and a 2 piece plywood folding cover installed to keep you from falling through. On the earlier B-24s used they had a single .50 mounted in a gimbal in the floor under a hatch, by removing the gimbal and surrounding plexiglass you had a smaller rectangular "Joe Hole", the later model B-24s were preferred because the hole was larger. "Joes" & "Josesphines" were seated on the floor sitting on their parachutes under a strap for takeoff, so don't complain about your airline seats. A later model B-24 "Joe Hole" showing the hinged floor cover at left.