USAAF
5th AF
8th Service Group
7th Airdrome Squadron
Wartime Photo
Pilot 2/Lt Alfred J Hamwey, O-813891 (MIA)
Gunner Cpl Melvin L Huff, 37678751 (MIA)
Gunner Cpl Carmello J Palermo, 12208112 (MIA) Rochester, NY
Crashed January 20, 1945
MACR 13316
Mission History
Last seen preparing to attach Japanese targets in the Cape Wom area near Wewak. After the attacks the flight leader carried out searches for this aircraft. A fire was observed in the kunai grass across the base of Cape Wom, but this was assumed to have been started by the attacking forces napalm bombs. No wreckage was seen.
John Douglas adds:
"Gabriel Wintawa and I have send a couple of cameras into the Mangroves looking for this plane. We are assured by locals that a couple of wrecks are there, but circumstances seem to conspire against us. Thats how I found the the Ki-48 Lily 1398 wreck, looking for this A-20."
Memorials
All crew members are currently listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery.
Relatives
Rick Meier (nephew of Palermo)
"Nearly a year later, the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle from Feb. 14, 1945 reports him listed as dead by the military. The article states, 'He was reported missed in action Jan. 20, 1945 when the attack bomber on which he was gunner failed to return from a mission over Wewak, New Guinea.' Article also says he entered the service in August 1943.
References
Thanks to Daniel Leahy for additional information
A-20
MIA
February 10, 1946
