09/03/2026
What does it take to turn an aircraft once known as the “Widowmaker” into one of World War II’s most effective medium bombers?
The B-26 Marauder Archives at The University of Akron preserve the history of the Martin B-26 Marauder—and the people who built, maintained, and flew it.
First flown in 1940, the B-26 was recognized for its speed, streamlined design, and relatively small wingspan. Early models gained a reputation for being difficult to fly, but improvements to the aircraft and enhanced crew training helped the Marauder become a highly effective combat aircraft.
B-26 crews served in several war theaters and played an especially important role in Allied operations in Europe. They attacked airfields, rail lines, bridges, coastal defenses, and other targets. Missions flown before, during, and after D-Day helped disrupt enemy movement and support Allied troops on the ground.
We preserve photographs, military records, mission reports, correspondence, newsletters, uniforms, personal papers, and materials created by veterans and veterans’ organizations. These items document more than combat operations—they reveal stories of training, maintenance, friendship, loss, and the experiences of service members and their families.
What would you like to learn about the B-26 Marauder? Share your questions in the comments and check out our collections to discover more stories!
