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Eugene "Gene" Hugh Hagene was originally a gunner on crew #068-R0 ("Jack Thompson was the pilot) that had trained at Wendover. He had a medical condition that prevented him from flying and he was "grounded" by the flight surgeon. He did twice make an attempt at flying but decided to change his MOS and became an 'Airplane and Engine Mechanic'.
Source: Eugene H Hagene (Vet) -
Gene Hagene and his brother Adrian visiting Rackheath from Prestwick, Scotland, stand on the wingtip of a42-51280 'Litt'l Chum". 44-10596 'Rhienmachen' is in the background on hardstand #22 while 'Litt'l Chum" is on hardstand #21
Source: Eugene Hagene (Vet) - 467th Archives -
"Gene" Hagene standing next to 'Litt'l Chum'. Photo taken late in the war with the nose art that was applied towards the end of hostilities. Belived to be located at hardstand #21. Note the 'Butts' in the background. "The Butts" were located between hardstands #21 and #22 in the 790th BS area.
* The butts are where planes would let gunners check alignment of their non-optical sights
Source: Eugene H Hagene (Vet) -
"Gene" Hagene standing next to ;Litt'l Chum' in late winter '45.
Note the name 'Nate Solomson' near the Navigators window. Nate served with the 93rd BG. It has been confirmed that it was his crew that ferried this aircraft from the states. They "gave her up" when they arrived in the UK and, after she was fitted with field modifications at Langford Lodge, she was assigned to the 467th.
Source: Eugene H Hagene (Vet)