During an effective attack against vital oil installations in Ploesti, Romania, 1st Lt. Donald D. Pucket’s B-24 Liberator received direct hits from anti-aircraft fire just after “bombs away.” One crew member was instantly killed, six others were severely wounded, and the aircraft was badly damaged. After regaining control of the airplane and turning it over to his copilot, Pucket calmed the crew, administered first aid, surveyed the damage, and jettisoned all guns and equipment. But the airplane continued to lose altitude. He then ordered the crew to bail out, but three members were too badly wounded. After the other crew members jump, he refused to abandon his airplane and was last seen fighting to regain control before crashing on a mountainside. Pucket was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.
Navy CCA Program’s Shape Coming into Focus
Oct. 17, 2025
In announcing its Navy Collaborative Combat Aircraft contract, General Atomics has provided some clues as to where the service is heading with its version of an armed, autonomous fighter escort. It will likely be quite different from the Air Force version.
