Crew History
Both are listed as awarded Silver Star for missions to Lae April 7-13 and Purple Heart postumously. Declared KIA on December 1, 1945.

Aircraft History
A-24 Dive Bomber. The US Army's version of the USN's SBD Dauntless. Assigned to Savannah on October 21, 1941 to PHAD on November 2, 1941 then to ? January 12, 1942. Arrived on the Pensacola Convoy to Brisbane on January 8, 1942.

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.

Memorials
Both crew members was officially declared dead on December 1, 1945. Both are memorialized on the tablets of the missing at Manila American Cemetery.

Reference
Thanks to Edward Rogers and Larry Hickey for additional information. Phillip Fazzini for crew ASN.

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009

A-24

MIA