USAAF
5th AF
90th BG
321st BS
Pilot 1st Lt. Owen L Buford, O-801242
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Paul G Meyer, O-684759
Navigator 2nd Lt Gerald R Hill, O-683822
Bombardier 2nd Lt Jack W Rosher, O-679230
Engineer T/Sgt Ned (NMI) Potter, 14051455
Radio T/Sgt Robert W Witt, 37231163
Gunner S/Sgt Julian S Miller, 34434716
Gunner S/Sgt James J Parks, 36408515
Gunner S/Sgt Kenneth W Rode, 11106337
Gunner S/Sgt Willard L Turner, 35450936
MIA February 29, 1944
MACR 6304
Aircraft History
Arrived at Nadzab a week earlier, and were not familiar with the terrain. Note: Aircraft identity in MACR often referred to as 42-72889 which is incorrect.
Mission History
Took off from Nadzab on a night strike against Hollanida, but crashed four minutes after take off, 5 miles to the east for reasons unknown.
Wreckage
In 1944, the remains of Meyer, Witt, Miller and Rode were recovered near Yalu, Morobe District. In 1982, the wreckage was rediscovered. The Plane was located in August 1983 by US Army Central Identification Laboratory (CILHI) They excavated the site and took photos.
Memorials
Witt and Rode are buried at Manila American Cemetary. Meyer is listed as missing on ABMC, but not complete details - so could be recovered. The rest of crew still listed as missing on ABMC
Relatives
Terry Buford (son of pilot)
References
Bruce Hoy's PNG Musuem Status Card for 42-72899
B-24
MIA
6.34
146.51
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