Aircraft History
Assigned to the 312th Bombardment Group, 386th Bombardment Squadron during February 1944, with an unknown tail letter.

When lost, this A-20 had engines R-2600-23 serial numbers left 43-103693 and right 43-103710. Nose machine guns: 675748. 946658. 675789, 676028, 947010, 114975. Top Turret: 114977 and 563450.

Mission History

Took off from Hollandia Airfield at roughly 7:30am on a mission against Utarom by 24 aircraft from the 387th BS and 388th BS. Over the target, the A-20s bombed, strafed barges and three dropped leaflet around Cape Bitsjaroe, southwest of Utarom. The organization of the mission broke down and A-20s attacked targets individually.

After the mission, other crews recalled hearing distress calls from Wells and that he was "going down", another pilot observed this A-20 a half mile away being targeted by anti-aircraft fire, likely from nearby Kaimana Airfield (Utarom).

Presumed to have been shot down or ditched into the sea off the target. Last observed by fellow pilots Hogan and Folmar to the west of Kaimana Bay.

References
Rampage of the Roarin' 20's pages 55 (photo), 156-157, 349, 355
ABMC or Nationwide Gravesite Locator does not list either crew member, nor either spelling: Aielts or Aeilts

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Last Updated
October 2, 2009

A-20

MIA

Map via MACR