Didn't find this plane, but found something better. Podgurski's family had never seen this photo before, nor knew about the "Hap Arnold Special". That's what it's all about...helping families learn about their loved ones.
http://www.b24bestweb.com/501-v2-3.htmHere the pic and text:
Hap Arnold Special by
David Cohen, on Flickr
Starboard (Right) Side - AKA - "HAP ARNOLD SPECIAL", "THE SPIRIT OF FT. WORTH", and "OLE 501"
Contributor - Phillip H. Bentley
Shown with my Father, Colin Bentley (Radar Navigator), standing 2nd from right. They picked up "501" in Greenland and delivered it to India, on their way to China.
Crew:
2nd Lt. Robert M. Allan - Radar Observer
2nd Lt. Colin Bentley(dad) - Radar Navigator
Sgt. John V. Clark - Mechanic/Gunner/Flight Engineer
2nd Lt. Edward M. Corson - Bombardier Sgt. Michael V. D’Ambrosio - Radio Operator/Gunner
Sgt. Charles L. Erickson - Armorer/Gunner
2nd Lt. Charles J. Fiden - Pilot
2nd. Lt. Henry A. Podgurski - Pilot
Research Team Comments: The last of the 3,034 B-24s assembled at the Consolidated Fort Worth Plant, coming off the line 30 Dec 44. Crashed on takeoff from Dudkundi, India in May 1945; Pilot Lt Ralph Goodrich; Copilot Lt Vernon Drake. Also crashed on takeoff in Abadan, Iran in Oct 1945 on it's return to ZI. This plane was converted to an AZON aircraft.