USAAF
5th AF
43rd BG
65rd BS
1943
Pilot 1st Lt Michael LaPorte, O-791123
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Howard L. Munson, O-674612
Bombardier 2nd Lt Gordon R. Spoor, O-7329189
Navigator 2nd Lt William H. Yandergrift, O-797428
Engineer T/Sgt Idris T. Jenkins, 39090258
Radio T/Sgt Alvin B. Rowe Jr., 14038511
Asst Radio / Gunner S/Sgt Orville B. Severson, 36253506 (MN)
Gunner S/Sgt Robert J. Frankenberger, 32144483
Gunner S/Sgt Ture E. Lindstrom, 32258128
Gunner S/Sgt Francis W. Neville, 32502049
MIA September 2, 1943
MACR 14147
Aircraft History
This B-17 transported General MacAurthur to 7-Mile Drome at Port Moresby on November 6, 1942 and was photographed on arriva at the airfield.
Mission History
Took off from 7-Mile Drome at Port Moresby, one of twelve attacking Cape Gloucester Airfield. Numerous Japanese fighters intercepted the formation. This bomber was lost, but there were no witnesses to the loss. The 43rd Bomb Group records states 'subject aircraft missing on a mission over Lae'.
Relatives
Emanuel A. LaPorte (nephew of Michael LaPorte)
B-17
MIA
(Aprox)
5.27
148.25
Local Bride Receives News Death of Husband
