B-26 Marauder A vision of speed when sitting at rest on its nose wheeled landing gear— Machine guns jutting atop and in front—as well as the sides and the rear. The wide paddle-- four bladed props-- on each of two engines from Pratt— The round contours that the fuselage made—looked mean as even it sat. The first of a breed that had to be “flown” each moment it spent in the air— No power-off glides when turning to “base”—needed power to levitate there. Was slow to forgive of mistakes that were made—by those who were trying to learn— And the toll was high that would be assessed-- on those who failed to discern. With billowing clouds of white oil smoke the ‘twenty eight hundreds’ spoke out— With bobbing and weaving the taxi proceeding—along the assembling route. With a flare in the air the leader would start and the others would follow his track— The air split asunder by crackling thunder as the flight went out as a pack. These fastest of bombers—(of the “medium-kind”)—that served in World War Two— Proved themselves winners—(not for beginners)--when sent out to do what they do. At “medium height” took on the fight –placed bombs where they meant them to go— Their losses were lowest of all bombing types that served in the “E.T.O”. The type got some names of dubious fame for their precision required just to fly— Of visible support—wing looked too short--“Flying Prostitute” seemed to apply. Martin of Maryland birthed the design and was acknowledged in vicious word play— “The Baltimore Whore” came to the fore—when some had something to say. With all missions finished-- the ‘26’ was diminished-- treated like no other plane— Removed from the service and “reduce to produce”—not many examples remain. Should you encounter a museum survivor—gaze on it as long as you can-- Or find a crew member who still can remember—shake hands with a true flying man! Bill Woodall