Crew History
Orner was a member of the 15th Weather Squadron.

Aircraft History
This B-24 was part of delivery from 2nd Sea Search Attack Squadron assigned to Project Number 96189R by Lt. Col Edward W. Scott. Departed the United States October 1, 1943, and arrived at 7-Mile Drome on October 21, 1943. Engines: R-1830-43 a) MFR50622 b) 42-88862 c) 41-88770 d) 42-88725.

Mission History
Took off from Dobodura Air filed #4 (Horanda 4Y) on December 15, 1943, on an reconnaissance mission of the Gasmata area. At 1:00am on December 16, the bomber reported several enemy aircraft were following it. At 0200/L it reported its position as, 06185 15043E. At 0300/L, the operator transmitted "065..." and then broke off. Contact was never reestablished and a search failed to locate the airplane which is presumed to be lost. It is thought that this aircraft crashed into the sea off southern New Britain in the Gasmata area.

Search
On December 16 and 17, three B-24s searched the Solomon Sea area from Cape Ward Hunt to the Trobriands, and 30-50 miles south of New Britain. They found no trace of this bomber, total search time was 16:30.

Memorials
The entire crew was officially declared dead on January 24, 1946. They are memorialized on the tablets of the missing at Manila American Cemetery.

References
History 43 BG

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009

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