Pilot Lt John W. Taylor, O-797637
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Patrick J. Freeman, O-743232
Navigator 2nd Lt William E Townsend, O-676174
Bombardier 2nd Lt James C Brown, O-676418
Engineer S/Sgt Patrick P Steffanelli 12132191
Assist. Engineer Sgt Joseph C Keen Jr 35467991
Radio S/Sgt Robert E Fitzgerald 31163118
Asst. Radio Sgt Joseph G Bialy, 32452236
Gunner Sgt Harry F Huntington, 19087985
Gunner Sgt Louis O. Ball, 35342063
Crashed October
18, 1943 at 1445 hours
MACR 964
Crew History
After surviving this crash landing, this crew with the exception of Freeman and Townsend were lost over Hansa Bay on April 9, 1944 aboard B-24J 42-73338.
Aircraft History
Engines: R-1830-43 AAF Serial Numbers: 42-88841, 42-88846, 42-87685, 42-88844.
Mission History
On this day B-24s from the 43rd,
90th and 380th BGs encountered bad weather near the Kiriwina Islands
en route to bomb Rabaul,
and turned back. Made a safe crash landing 50 mils north-west of Port Moresby. They were posted as MIA, but all had bailed out and
eventually returned safely to Port
Moresby.
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.
Wreckage
It is unknown if the aircraft is still lying there.
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