C-47B Dakota Serial Number  43-48308

US Army
AGRS

 

Pilot  1st Lt. Melvin L. Power, O-933431 (1304th AFBU)
Co-Pilot  1st Lt. Horace J. Gabbart, O-769790 (1304th AFBU)
Passenger  Fred Hart, 32437482
Passenger  Royal Butterfield, O-728565
Passenger  Richard Meredith, O-728902
Passenger  Thomas Stephens, O-683542
Passenger  Ewell Temples, 34444337
Passenger  Charles Pero, 12168305
Passenger  John F. Cook, 19148135
Passenger  Joseph C. McClung, 38288140
Passenger  2nd Lt. Joseph C. Rich, O-739054 of B-24 42-73245
Passenger  Edward Ryan, O-672445
MIA  May 17, 1946
MACR  15043

Mission History
This C-47 was assigned to the post-war AGRS (American Graves Registration Service) carrying 38 sets of remains from the Rangoon POW Prison that went MIA on a flight from Rangoon to Calcutta. The last contact with the C-47 was over Akyab (today, Sittwe) and the pilot radioed in he was heading NE enrooted to Barrackpore. The plane was never heard from again. This would place the C-47 over land. Flown by two pilots from the 1304th Air Force Base Unit. Also aboard were five unidentified sets of remains from B-24 "Bugs Bunny" 42-73222

Seeking Information
Lisa Phillips (niece of 2nd Lt. Joseph C. Rich):
"I am looking for information on my uncle 2nd Lt. Joseph C. Rich. His remains were placed aboard C-47 43-48308 that went missing carrying 38 remains on board from that prison."

References
Thanks to Lisa Philips and Bruce Fenstermaker for information.

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