USAAF
13th AF
11th BG
42nd BS
Pilot Captain Harold P. Hensley, O-413623 (MIA/KIA)
Co-pilot 1st Lt Charles D. Bingham, O-429251 (MIA/KIA)
Navigator 2nd Lt John J. Jackson, O-791595 (MIA/KIA)
Engineer T/Sgt Lester L. Gudenschwager, 6291432 (MIA/KIA)
Bombardier SSgt Oreste G. Natiello, 7024944 (MIA/KIA)
Engineer SSgt William J. Tomko, 13010674 (MIA/KIA)
Radio SSgt John N. Powers, 7026758 (MIA/KIA)
Gunner SSgt Willett T. Allen, 6668695 (MIA/KIA)
Radio Sgt Peter R. Fabino, 16003241 (MIA/KIA)
Passenger 1st Lt. Martin L. Carder, Jr., 0728058 (MIA/KIA)
Lost February 1, 1943
MACR 16269
Crew History
Hensley was promoted to
Major either just prior to his being killed, or was a posthumous.
Mission History
Nine B-17s took off from Henderson Field on Guadalcanal to bomb shipping in the Shortland area, led by Hall. This bomber was part of a four plane second element with 3 B-17s from the 42nd BG (this aircraft) B-17E "Eager Beavers" 41-9122 and B-17E 41-9151 plus one B-17 piloted by Captain Thomas (5th BG, 72nd BS). The second element was commanded by Captain Hall (CO of the 42nd BG).
After scoring hits on their target, they turned right toward Choiseul Bay, and were jumped by 15 to 25 Zeros. This B-17 was shot down by Zeros after raid on Bougainville. Reportedly crashed into Shortland Bay area.
The sole surviving fourth plane, piloted by a Captain Thomas was also badly damaged but managed to crash land at Guadalcanal. Two crew members (radio and bombardier) were wounded.
Michael Paulson adds:
"MACR was not particularly helpful (16269). It was prepared post-war, and noted that 'Flight records and individual flight forms on officers and enlisted men had been lost or destroyed in the movement' "
B-17
MIA
