Pilot Ensign Donald D. Atkiss (Philadelphia, PA) (POW / KIA)
Gunner AOM2C Richard Lanigan (St. Louis, MO) (POW / KIA)
Radio AOM2C John B. Kepchia (Greensburg, PA) (POW, survived)
Shot Down May 21, 1944
Crew History
This crew completed 33 combat missions together. The pilot was 21 and gunner 20.
Mission History
On their 34th mission, this crew took off from Piva, this Avenger was shot down over the Vunakanau Drome. The three crew were captured and interred in a Japanese Prision Camp. Atkiss and Lanigan perished in Prision, Kepchia survived until liberated on September 7, 1945.
References
M.I.A. Over Rabaul South Pacific by John Kepchia
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