Pilot  2nd Lt Richard D. Kimball, O-661329 (survived)
Crashed  April 12, 1943

Mission History
Took off from Port Moresby to intercept attacking Japanese aircraft. Shot down to the north of Port Moresby. Kimball bailed out and became tangled in a tree, until friendly natives assisted him. He returned to his squadron eight days later.

Fighter Cover, May 16, 1943:
"On landing, his parachute became tangled in a tree, and he hung there, trapped and helpless until friendly natives came to his rescue. For eight days, he walked up and down the mountains, guided by the natives who made it a practice not to follow along streams or level terrain."

References
41st FS History
"Fighter Cover" May 16, 1943 for account of Kimball's return

Contribute Information