Aircraft History
This B-24 was radar equipped. This bomber was originally assigned to the 2nd Sea Search Attack Squadron. Assigned to Project Number 96189R by Lt. Col Edward W. Scott left the United States on October 1, 1943. Ferried overseas to Australia, it arrived at at 7-Mile Drome at Port Moresby on October 21, 1943. There, it was assigned to the 43rd Bombardment Group.

Mission History
This Liberator went missing between Dobodura and Hanover Island, Bismarck Sea area on an armed reconnaissance of the area. It radioed at 0035/L "Why aren't lights on?", presumably because it could not find Dobodura. This was the last message from the aircraft, and further attempts to establish radio contact failed. A two day search of the area north of Cape Gloucester, its last reported position, failed to locate any sign of the aircraft.

Wreckage
Crashed near Deboin near Cape Ward Hunt. This crash site was known to locals and reported to John Douglas when he visited in December 2000. As a result of his visit, Deboin villagers produced the Robert E Frank's dogtag, and a description of the wreck in February 2001. Douglas reported the discovery during the CILHI PNG MIA Conference, which he attended in April 2001. Also, he informed pacificwreck.com and this aircraft was identified from the tail serial number.

After learning of the site, US Army CILHI visited Deboin by helicopter in 2001, but was unable to locate the wreck during their short visit. In fact, another village to the south was the landowner of the wreck site, and also had knowledge of the wreck.

John Douglas was contacted by Sandy Smith, the daughter of one of the crew members, who had been to a 43rd BG reunion and learned about the discovery of her father's plane. She asked John Douglas to take photos of the site for her. In May 2003, John Douglas' wreck tec, again visited the site to take photographs.

"MIA Hunters" hired a local person to visit the crash site during June or July 2003. At one time the group claimed credit for locating the wreck on their website, which was incorrect.

Recovery
During April 2004, this site was the focus of a complete MIA recovery operation by JPAC, where seven bodies were recovered, and personal items including dog tags, two rings and other personal effects. Dental records, mDNA, other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence were used to make identifications for all eleven crew members.

Again, during 2007, this site was investigated by JPAC.

On April 25, 2008 the US military reported that the crew members were identified, and the case resolved. On August 27, 2008 the crew were buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Relatives
Sandy Smith (daughter of Pvt. Joseph Thompson)

Carolyn Fox adds:
"[Pvt. Joseph Thompson] is a cousin once removed of my husbands. We were contacted by his daughter Sandy Smith in December 2002. David and LeRoy Minter have given blood samples for the mDNA match when they do get Joseph's remains recovered. B-24D 42-40475 went down Dec 03, 1945 over Papua New Guinea and has been found by one of John Douglas' wreck tecs. I'm trying to get the government more interested in recovering the remains of Joseph and his crew mates. We want to bring him home.

Chris Gauld (grandson of Paul Miecias):
"My grandmother is Jennie M. Gauld, who lives in Greenbrook, , NJ. She is Paul Miecias sister. She is 90 years old and the only surviving direct member of his family."

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009

B-24

MIA
Resolved

Robert E. Frank Dogtag

JPAC News Release 04-07

Post Courier MIA Recovery

Official New Release
Missing Airmen Identified

NY Daily News
Brooklyn Hero Found

Telegram
Cassidy IDed