Aircraft History
A-24 Dive Bomber. The US Army's version of the USN's SBD Dauntless. Assigned to Savannah on December 21, 1941, then to McCellan on January 1, 1942 until January 29, 1942 to ?. Departed ? on February 25, 1942 for New Guinea. Assigned to Holcombe.

Mission History
Eight 3rd BG A-24's that took off from 7-Mile Drome near Port Moresby. Escorted by 35th FG 41st FS P-39 flying top cover, and 8th FG, 80th FS flying close escort. One A-24 aborted the mission, and seven proceeded to bomb Japanese transports 20 miles north of Gona, 1 1/4 miles form shore. The convoy was being protected by A6M2 Zeros of the Tainan Kokutai which attack the A-24 as they start their dives.

The A-24s dive-bomb in two waves. The first wave: A-24 41-15797 (shot down), A-24 piloted by Hill (heavily damaged and force lands at Fall River) and A-24 piloted by Raymond Wilkins (the only aircraft to return to 7-Mile). The second wave: A-24 41-15819, A-24 41-15766, A-24 piloted by Cassels and A-24 piloted by Parker all four were shot down. The Kotoku Maru, was hit once at the No. 5 hatch by the second wave, forcing its troops to unload and leave its cargo undelivered. The Japanese ships all return to Lae.

HQ 3rd Bomb Group reported on July 13, 1943:
"...crash landed on the north coast of New Guinea near Ambasi due to interception. Radio report received advised that four were safe and that Japanese patrols were in the vicinity. The radio went off the air suddenly, and never came on the air again."

This aircraft was attacked and its crew bailed or force landed and survived the crash. They made it to the Ambasi where they linked up with Australian forces. Their group was joined by Reverend James Benson and two mission sisters, from the Gona Anglican Mission. They were on the run for about three weeks before all were killed or captured and executed, with the exception of Reverend Benson who was taken POW.

Wreckage
Discovered by John Douglas in 1999.

References
Thanks to Edward Rogers, John Douglas, Larry Hickey and Michael Clarignboud for additional information.

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009

A-24

MIA