USAAF
3rd BG
8th BS
1940
1942
Pilot Captain
Virgil A. Schwab, O-023021 (MIA)
Gunner Sgt. Philip
H. Childs, 6971021 (MIA) TX
Shot
Down July 29, 1942
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.
Reference
Thanks to Edward Rogers and Larry Hickey / IR&P for
additional information. Phillip Fazzini for crew ASN.
A-24
MIA
