USAAF
5th AF
43rd BG
64th BS
Pilot 1st Lt. Stephen W. Blount III, O-661181
Co-Pilot Lt Julian J Petty
Crew S/Sgt Delray Echohawk, 38088034 (Cherokee Indian, OK)
Crew S/Sgt Clayton L Landon 37383109
Crew T/Sgt Alvin K Hartley, 17016791 (KIA BNR)
Crew S/Sgt Sequoyah J. Downing 18128575 (KIA BR)
Crew 1st Lt Jack D Ganz, O-419770 (MIA)
Crew S/Sgt Donald W Ham, 39832194 (MIA)
Crew 2nd Lt John E Wagner, O-734765 (MIA)
Crew T/Sgt Jack R Myers, 15019872 (MIA)
Crew Lawewnce A. Ommundsen, 32279311 (MIA)
Ditched October
18, 1943
Aircraft History
This B-17 was recieved by the USAAF on April 19, 1943. It arrived in Australia approximately June 14, 1943 and then was sent to New Guinea.
Mission History
B-24s from the 43rd,
90th and 380th BGs encountered bad weather near the Kiriwina Islands
en route to bomb Rabaul,
and turned back. On the way back to base at Port Moresby, it ran out
of fue and ditched into Bootless
Bay. Seven of the crew
drowned
in the
ditching,
three survived and were rescued.
The mission cost five Liberators, including B-24D "Mitsu Butcher" 41-24043, B-24D 42-40670, B-24D 42-40885, B-24D 41-41088 and B-24D "Mission Belle" 42-40389.
This was a mixed crew of personell who did not normally fly together. One crew member was an observer, earning combat hours so he could earn leave at home. After the crash, only four of the crew survived. The rest were killed and missing. Due to his actions during the crash to save others, Echohawk was recommended for the silver star. All survivors were awarded Purple Heart.
Wreckage
The port wing is against the reef at 1m. The starbord wing is 9m deep. The fuselage is broken in half behind the wings, and the rear is missing. Inside the fuselage is filled with silt and debris. One machine gun is visible. Visibility on the wreck is almost zero due to its proximity to shore.
References
Wrecks & Reefs pages 128-129.
B-24
S 9 29
E 147 15
1-9m
MIA
