The B-24 was employed in operations in every combat theater during World War II. Because of its great range, it was particularly suited for such missions as the famous raid from North Africa against the oil industry at Ploesti, Rumania, on Aug. 1, 1943. This feature also made the airplane suitable for long over-water missions in the Pacific Theater. More than 18,000 Liberators were produced. It had a cruising speed of 175mph and a ceiling of 28,000 feet.
The B-24D on display flew combat missions from North Africa in 1943-1944 with the 512th Bomb Squadron. It was flown to the museum in May 1959. It is the same type airplane as the "Lady Be Good" -- the world-famous B-24D that disappeared on a mission from North Africa in April 1943 and was found in the Libyan Desert in May 1959.
On a personal note, a now-deceased golfing partner of mine (Gordon Currie) was a navigator on B-24s in Europe and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions during a particular raid over Italy.

See the next page in the gallery for a photo of B24 crew showing a pbase member's Dad as a crew member with this same outfit.