USAAF
5th AF
38th BG
71st BS
Pilot 1st Lt. Richard P. Schumacker, O-732585 (MIA/KIA) Austin, MN
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt William A. Daniels, O-667955 (MIA/KIA) New Orleans, LA
Radio S/Sgt Robert R. McCabe, 36249198 (MIA/KIA) Hammond, WI
Gunner T/Sgt Owen C. Remillard 16046639 (MIA/KIA) Devner, CO
Observer 2nd Lt Alton W. Howard Jr, O-666671 (MIA/KIA) Mexico City
Crashed September 2, 1943 at 1000 hours
MACR 4508 [ Order via Accident-Report.com ]
Aircraft History
Engines: R-2600-13 AAF Serial Numbers: 41-29197 and 41-28853.
The MACR 4508 states only:
"Although Missing Aircraft Reports were not required by this Air Force at the time subject officer became missing in action, it s desired that one be prepared and attached to this correspondence when it is returned in as much as the report is specifically requested by the Commanding General, Army Air Forces [Kenney]."
Wartime History
Took off from 17 Mile Drome (Durand) on a 'strike 244H' against shipping in Wewak Harbor as second B-25 in the first flight. Damaged over the target, it reportedly, crashed two to five miles offshore from Wewak Harbor. (Another reference 5 miles north-west of Wewak Harbor).
This aircraft was last seen by seen with its right propeller feathered and losing altitude. A B-25 piloted by Major Howard Paquin's of the second flight pulled alongside to offer protection, but it continued to lose altitude and tried to pull up, but stalled, went over on its back and hit the water with great impact. No survivors were seen to leave the aircraft.
Last seen by Major Howard Paquin, who writes in MACR 4508:
"I did not see any of the rew emerge from the plane and do not believe there were any survivors. The high speed of my plane and turmoil of the water made it impossible to ascertain whether #247 sank immediately or not."
References
MACR 4508 [ Order via Accident-Report.com ]
B-25
MIA
Map via MACR
