Pacific Wrecks - B-24D-105-CO "Pudgy" Serial Number 42-40830

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B-24D-105-CO "Pudgy" Serial Number 42-40830

USAAF
5th AF
90th BG
320th BS

1943

Pilot Capt Lawrence N. Smith, O-665728 (MIA / KIA)
Co-Pilot 1/Lt George M Dempster, O-796668 (MIA / KIA)
Navigator 1/Lt Harry M Stoll, O-670183 (MIA / KIA)
Bombardier /Lt Kenneth E Twitty, O-733002 (MIA / KIA)
Observer F/O Daryl M Stewart, T-61035 (MIA / KIA)
Engineer T/Sgt John H Leneghan, 36395195 (MIA / KIA)
Radio T/Sgt Paul D Waite, 17067519 (MIA / KIA)
Gunner S/Sgt William C Gotcher, 34194958 (MIA / KIA)
Gunner S/Sgt Carl A Canady, 18165266 (MIA / KIA)
Gunner Sgt Sidney L Baggett, 38187519 (MIA / KIA)
Tail Gunner S/Sgt William H Bundy, 16086379 (MIA / KIA)
Photographer S/Sgt Mercy Rendon, Jr, 38026361 (MIA / KIA)
Crashed December 1, 1943
MACR 1316

Aircraft History
Engines - R-1830-43 S/N 42-4286612, 42-86627, 42-86739, 42-86831.

Mission History
One of 40+ B-24's that bombed Wewak, escorted by P-47s. This bomber damaged over Wewak. The complete tail position was shot out, dropping tail gunner without a parachute. Aircraft last seen heading towards land at about 1,000' under control, but losing altitude. Believed to have crashed ten miles west of Murik near Karau. Eight crew members seen to bail out. The entire crew went MIA.

A total of three B-24s were lost this mission. This aircraft also B-24D "Ten Knights in a Bar Room" 42-72806 and B-24D "Pistol Packin' Mama" 42-41209.

Fate of Crew
All crew members were declared dead as of January 22, 1946 and are
listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery.

References
Thanks to Daniel Leahy for additional information
Legacy of the 90th Bombardment Group page 89, 90

Contribute Information
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Last Updated
October 1, 2009

B-24

MIA

(Aprox)
3.49
144

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