USAAF
5th AF
3rd BG
90th BS

Pilot  1st Lt John E Hesselbarth, O-403850 (MIA/KIA)
Co-Pilot  2nd Lt Joseph W Ferguson, O-429779 (MIA/KIA)
Crew  T/Sgt Ivan M Wright, 6823767 (MIA/KIA)
Crew  Cpl George E Thigpin, 14014675 (MIA/KIA)
Crew  Cpl Hugh W Douglas, 14020373 (MIA/KIA)
Crew   Cpl Albert H Smith, 6971033 (MIA/KIA)
Shot Down  May 25, 1942
MACR 15724

Crew History
Ferguson was formally assigned to the 27th BG, 91st BS. He was a A-24 pilot in Bali and Java.

Mission History
Took off from Port Moresby on a bombing mission against Lae Airfield. Engaged by a superior number of enemy aircraft in vicinity of the airfield. Last seen engaged by two A6M Zeros of the Tainan Kokutai, losing altitude with both engines in flames.

Relatives
Beth Bender (niece of Ferguson)
1/Lt Joseph W Ferguson, O-429779, served with the 8th Bomb Squadron of the 3rd Bomb Group. He is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery.

References
History of 90th Bomb Squadron, page 39
3rd BG incorrectly lists date of loss as being May 24, 1942
Thanks to Edward Rogers and Daniel Leahy for additional information

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B-25

MIA