Of Extraordinary Courage by Larry Selman

The 489th Bomb Group wass flying a critical resupply mission as part of a 2,000 plane operation headed to Holland on September 18, 1944 as part of Operation Market Garden. The 82nd Airborne 505 PIR was badly in need of ammo, food and fuel. Coming fast into the crowded Drop Zone N at 500 feet was the B-24 named “Jo”, flown by pilot Lt John Predgen and co-pilot Lt. John Homan. Taking three passes around the drop zone prior to going in, they are shot at from the woods by Germans. As their turn came to go in, they watched two other B-24's crash and burn in front of them. Meanwhile, “Jo” had lost its number 3 engine prior to dropping the supply load. Immediately after completing that mission “Jo” then lost number 4 engine plus all hydraulic power. The cockpit filled with a hydraulic fog so thick that John could not see the instruments or his pilot, Lt. Predgren, beside him.

Feathering the damaged engine, they applied full left rudder and added power to engines 1 and 2 enabling “Jo” to stabilize at 200 feet. Slowly climbing to 800 feet, they set a course to an emergency airfield in England.

On approach to the landing strip, a B-24 had crashed and was burning. “Jo” was right behind them with her wheels and flaps having to be operated manually. The bravery and skill the pilots and crew showed on that day was remarkable as they skillfully landed the plane on the runway. As "Jo" slid past the burning aircraft with her tires flat from enemy fire and only one stabilizer effective, the crew could not keep the plane on the runway. It slid off into the grass and folded up. Fortunately, everyone was safe and mostly uninjured but the plane was a total loss. For their actions this day, Lt. John Predgen and Lt. John Homan received the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Of Extraordinary Courage is based on the terrific book by Dr. Jared Frederick and John Homan titled Into the Cold Blue: My World War II Journeys with the Mighty 8th Air Force. Lt. Homan personally consulted with the artist to ensure the accuracy of the scene depicted. The book is available at this website.

Signatures:

Anniversary Edition

John Homan, DFC - Co-pilot of the B-24, "Jo"

Artist's Proof

John Homan, DFC - Co-pilot of the B-24, "Jo"

Chet Harrington - 82nd 505 PIR veteran (signature on separate card)

Jim Rigas - 82nd 505 PIR veteran (signature on separate card)