USAAF
5th AF
345th BG
500th BS
Former Assignments:
3rd BG
90th BS
Pilot 1st Lt William T Kyser, O-415376 (KIA)
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Richard E Whitman, O-735717 (KIA)
Bomb 1st Lt Homer A Stine, O-662312 (KIA)
Engineer S/Sgt Charles S Sebastian, 16077959 (KIA)
Radio S/Sgt Marshall T Marks, 36207466 (KIA)
Gunner Sgt Sam G. Vojnovich, 13155497 (KIA)
Crashed December 26, 1943 at 1442 hours
MACR 1847
Aircraft
History
First assigned to the 3rd BG, 90th BS. This model D-10 was modified to a D-1 strafer at Townsville. Assigned to the 345th BG, 500th BS on November 30, 1943. Engines: R-2600-13 AAF Serial Numbers: Left 41-29341, Right 41-29309.
Mission History
As a low level attack on Cape Gloucester, this bomber was fired on by US Navy anti-aircraft gunners as it over flew the landing craft. The bomber was mistaken for an enemy plane, as Japanese aircraft were attacking the area. Hit, it flipped over and crashed in flames at Borgen Bay, a mile offshore from Silimati Point. All the crew was killed in the crash. The shoot down and crash was recorded on film by observer on the landing craft.
References
Warpath Across The Pacific pages 105, 367, 393
Tuluvu's Air War Chapter IX by Richard Dunn
B-25
