Yangkai (Yangjie) 羊街

A North American B-25D of the 491st Bomb Squadron under goes maintenance in a revetment at Yangkai, China in 1944. The aircraft is Sq # has been changed from "426", as seen on the side of the nose, to "447". We do not know why this was done. Also notice in the top photo, the original serial number, which would...

An American releasing pigeons somewhere in the vicinity of Yangkai Air Base, Yunnan Province, China.

Gen. Claire Chennault during a "surprise" visit to the 341st Bomb Group HQ at Yangkai Air Base, China. He came for a briefing of a new bombing technique, "glip" bombing. The B-25s of the Group became quite successful in destroying bridges using this method. (Information from Tony Strotman)

Posing with the B-25J #439, "Niagra's Belle", this air crew of the 491st Bomb Squadron includes (l-r, back) Capt. James E. Andrews (pilot), T/Sgt George A. Penny (flight engineer), Lt. Frank J. Belot (bombardier) and (l-r, front) T/Sgt John W. Schmidt (radio), S/Sgt David E. Williams (armorer-gunner). Photo was taken at Yangkai, China. (Information provided by Tony Strotman)

Aircrew members of the 491st Bomb Squadron pose for photo with the "Wabash Cannonball", a B-25H, at Yankgkai, Airbase, China, circa 1944. Left to right; front row - S/Sgt Walter S. Faulkner (engineer-gunner), T/Sgt Ramond L. Koenig (radio), T/Sgt Kenneth E. Norris (radio), S/Sgt Leo J. Flanagan (armorer); rear - Capt. Paul L. Ley (pilot), Capt Frank O. Cullen (pilot)...

Air crew members of the 491st Bomb Squadron pose with the B-25H "Wabash Cannonball" at Yangkai, China. In back are Lt. Orlando W. Wood (pilot) and Lt. Walter H. Finne (pilot) with S/Sgt William H. Matthews (flight engineer), Cpl. George W. Burns (radio) and S/Sgt Robert M. Hickey (gunner) in the front. (Information provided by Tony Strotman)

491st Bomb Squadron 1st Sergeant, Roy S. Bierbauer and an unidentified individual chat at the "Provost Sgt" desk in the orderly room, probably Yangkai, China. Similar image here. (Info courtesy Tony Strotman)

Crewmembers of the 491st Bombardment Squadron pose before a B-25J at Yangkai AB, China, probably taken in early 1944. Front: T/Sgt Ronald W. Hirtle (radio), S/Sgt Chester R. Bigelow (?) (armorer), T/Sgt David E. Murphy (engineer) Back: Capt. George L. Velan (bombardier), Lt. Douglas H. Gassett (pilot)

Unidentified aircrew members beside "Chattanooga Choo Choo", an 'experienced' B-25H, at Yangkai AB, China. This 491st Bomb Squadron aircraft carries the marking of many missions flown and two Japanese ships sunk. Possibly taken in the fall of 1944 or spring of '45. Not clearly visible, beneath the long trail of white smoke painted on the nose, is a locomotive and...

The dining area of the Officer's Club at Yangkai Air Base, China. Probably taken sometime in the first half of 1944, possibly soon after the 341st Bombardment Group HQ with the 22nd and 491st Bomb Squadrons arrived in January 1944.