Pilot  1st Lt. Warren H. Smeltzer, O-380234
Co-Pilot  2nd It Russell A. McKinni, O-74244
Navigator  1st Lt Charles M. Hynes, O-734566
Bombardier  2nd Lt Lawrence J. Baldwin, O-738606
Engineer  T/Sgt Roudolph Vetter, 39381460
Assist. Engineer  S/Sgt George H. Hermerding Jr., 35456332
Radio  T/Sgt Steve Velicoff, 33265647
Assist. Radio  S/Sgt Richard J. Leyer, 32143175
Gunner  S/Sgt Carl L. Nelson 36032395
Gunner  S/Sgt Jack G. Wu 39168830
Crashed  October 18, 1943
MACR  1015

Aircraft History
Engines: R-1830-43 AAF Serial Numbers: 1) 42-36526 2) 42-39780 3) 42-38549 4) 42-36486

Aircraft History
This bomber was nicknamed "Mitsu Butcher" when transfered to the 400th BS.

Mission History
Took off from Port Moresby for a bombing raid on Rabaul. They encountered bad weather near the Kiriwina and turned back. The entire crew bailed out near Kerau.

The mission cost five Liberators, including this bomber, B-24D 42-40670, B-24D 42-40885, B-24D 41-41088 and B-24D "Mission Belle" 42-40389

Assisted by friendly natives who fed and housed the crew. They were next taken to the Catholic Mission at Kerau and cared for by an American Missionary and nuns. They used their parachutes to draw the 90th BG insignia (Skull and cross bombs) logo at the mission.

Spotted by friendly planes, supplies were dropped to them, and communication was made by signals with American planes. The crew asked for coffee and cigarettes. The rescue efforts were directed by Captain Phillip W. Casper of the 90th BG.

Afterwards, they walked two days to an emergency strip and on November 11, 1942 were flown out aboard Australian Tiger Moth. Next they flew via C-47 back to Port Moresby.

References
The Black Pirates South West Pacific 1942-1944, page 21

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