Pilot 2nd Lt. Milton MacDonald, O-755980 (POW, executed mid April 1944)
Crashed April 16, 1944 'Black Sunday'
MACR 4503
Aircraft History
Built by Lockheed. Assigned to the 5th Air Force, 475th Fighter Group, 431st Fighter Squadron. No known nose art or nickname. When lost, engines V-1710-91 and V-1710-89 serial numbers A-035644 and A-037903. Weapon serial numbers noted in MACR.
Mission History
Took off from Nadzab Airfield No. 3 on an escort mission over Hollandia, flying as wingman for 1st Lt Charles R. Samms. Returning, the formation experienced severe weather. Last in cloud layers near Jappa (near Annanberg) and failed to return.
Search
During the mission, Samms circled the area for ten minutes when he lost sight of his wingman, but failed to find him. The next day, the squadron searched for this aircraft but failed to find any trace of this P-38.
Fate of the Pilot
In fact, MacDonald bailed out and was captured west of Madang by the Japanese. Taken to Kempei-Tai headquaterters at Amron, he was later executed and buried in a mass grave.
Wreckage
Postwar, wreckage was found post war approximately 05'13" S 145'39"E near Efu village, to the west of Madang.
Recovery of Remains
US Army AGRS recovered remains from a mass grave at Amron. MacDonald's remains were designated X-31 and later identified as him. Buried in the United States in a private cemetery.
References
Black Sunday page 99
ABMC does not list MacDonald
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Last Updated
March 5, 2013
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