B-24D-130-CO Liberator Serial Number 42-41088

USAAF
5th AF
43rd BG
65th BS

 

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.

Contribute Information

 

Tech Information
B-24

Map
8.56
147.18

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