USAAF
71st TRG
25th Liason Squadron
Eugene
Salternik 1944
John Douglas 2004
Pilot S/Sgt James D
Nichols, 209119887
Crashed February 21,
1944
Aircraft History
Eugene Salternik adds:
"The plane nicknamed "Termite" was the plane Zaven Sadoian
usually flew. Nichols plane was being serviced that day, so
he used Sadoian's plane instead."
Mission History
James D. Nichols was sent to the crash site of P-40N42-104986 that
had crashed on Feburary 14. Afterwards, L-5
42-98066 also of the 25th Liason Squadron had
attempted to land at the crash site to rescue him, but crashed. Nichols'
attempted to land after the two, plus an Australian Commando attempted
to clear a rough landing strip. When he landed, the L-5 's
gear went 'spread eagle' resulting in damage that was beyond repair.
Another L-5 pilot, Sgt Thomas Stallone successfully
landed at the clearing, but was unable to take off carrying any
additional passengers. He took off solo and and was forced
to fly away. The group on the ground then began walking towards
friendly lines.
Jungle Trek & Rescue
The 71st TRS decided no more planes could be risked, and the four men on the
ground, lead by Hestbridge would have to walk 35 miles in dense jungle
towards where they could rendezvous with an Australian patrol. Returning
L-5's were unable to locate the group on the ground once they set off,
and after several days, all the men on the ground were declared 'Missing
In Action', and the search abandoned. After ten days in the jungle, on
March 3rd, the group ran out of food, forcing them to scrounge nuts and
fish from the jungle and streams. On March 10th they finally met a friendly
Australian patrol, that were following Japanese troops who were also
searching for the men. They were taken to a shelter and then evacuated
back to Gusap in a RAAF Walrus, all had malaria, and had lost 20-35 pounds
each. Afterwards, the Henstridge was awarded an
American Distinguished Service Cross, and the two L-5 pilots, Salternik
and Nichols were awarded the Silver Star for their parts in saving P-40
pilot Nelson Flack. Flack got a Purple Heart for his injuries, and an Air
Medal for the confirmed kill over the Tony.
Refernces
The article "Skeletons in the Grass - An Epic WWII Rescue" (Ghost
Wings Magazine Issue 12 by John Douglas & Justin Taylan) also
tells the story of this incident.
L-5
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