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| USAAF 5th AF 312th BG 389th BS |
Pilot 1st Lt. Walter H. Van, O-665250 (MIA / KIA) IL Gunner Sgt Gilbert V. Cooper, 15336632 (MIA / KIA) OH Crashed July 9, 1944 MACR none Aircraft History Built by Douglas Aircraft Company. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as A-20G-40-DO Havoc serial number 43-21430. Shipped overseas to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA). Wartime History During June 1944, assigned to the 5th Air Force, 312th Bombardment Group (312th BG), 389th Bombardment Squadron. Assigned to pilot Van. No known nose art or nickname. Tail letter V. Mission History On July 9, 1944 one of twenty-four A-20s from the 388th Bombardment Squadron and 389th Bombardment Squadron led by Col. Strauss that took off from Hollandia Airfield on a low level mission against Babo Airfield. Flying at low level over the Kasira River, the 388th BS attacked first flying six planes abreast, followed by the 389th BS followed. On the ground, Japanese anti-aircraft gunners had adjusted their fire. Over the target, this A-20 was hit by gunfire and crashed into one of the taxiways and exploded on impact, killing both of the crew. When this aircraft failed to return, it was declared Missing In Action (MIA). Also lost was A-20G 43-9499 and A-20G 42-86720. Memorials Both crew were officially declared dead the day of the mission. Both are memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing. References Rampage of the Roarin' 20's (2009) pages 143-146, 349, 366 Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated
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 A-20  MIA 2 Missing |
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