USAAF
USAAF
13th AF
11th BG
42nd BS
Pilot Maj Earl O. Hall, Jr., O-325099 (C.O. 42nd BG)
Co-Pilot 1/Lt Joaquin Castro, O-428914 (TX)
Navigator 2/Lt Frank N, Jr Stern, O-438256 (IL)
Engineer T/Sgt Paul Adler, 6147915 (MA)
Bombardier S/Sgt James Y. Bales, 15058894 (IN)
Radio S/Sgt James C. Stephens, Jr., 6953552 (CO)
Asst. Engineer S/Sgt Francis S. Banasiak, 11020224 (MA)
Asst Radio Sgt Jesse N. Olmstead, 11033041 (CT)
GunnerSgt Martin T. Grady, 6980875 (NY)
Shot Down February 1, 1943
MACR (none)
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 "Yokohama Express" 41-2442) 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).
Hall's B-17 targeted a supply vessel near Tonolei Harbor. After scoring hits on this target, they turned right toward Choiseul Bay, and were jumped by 15 to 25 Zeros.
The sole surviving fourth plane, piloted by a Captan Thomas was also badly damaged but managed to crash land at Guadalcanal. Two crew members (radio and bombadier) were wounded.
B-17
MIA
