Boscomantico Army Airfield, Verona
(Source: Malcolm Comeaux, 70th Trans Det)
 

   

The belly of 332 is exposed in this view, and shows the weak point of the H-34 in combat. The engine and oil cooler are exposed, and any bullet that goes into this area can bring it down, and it definitely will if it goes through the oil cooler. The French in Algeria and placed armor protection to this area, as did the Israelis. American allies re-learned this lesson in Vietnam.

   
     
   
The carcass of an H-34 (56-4332) that crashed as a result of engine failure on April 29, 1958, north of Asiago, Italy. The large black spot in the left rear is where an Honest John rocket landed (without a warhead).