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| USAAF 5th AF 3rd BG 13th BS   Colin Jermy 1979  Justin Taylan 2003 |
Pilot 2nd Lt. Billy D. Sanders (survived) Piggott, AR Gunner ? (survived) Force Landed April 16, 1944 "Black Sunday" MACR none Aircraft History Built by Douglas Aircraft Company. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as A-20G-25-DO Havoc serial number 43-9039. Disassembled and shipped overseas to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) and reassembled. Wartime History Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 3rd Bombardment Group (3rd BG), 13th Bombardment Squadron (13th BS). Nicknamed "Joy Baby". On the left engine cowl was painted "Jane" in yellow script by the crew chief. On April 5, 1944 piloted by Baldwin flew a bombing mission against Hollandia. Mission History On April 16, 1944 at roughly 10:30am took off from Nadzab Airfield piloted by 2nd Lt. Billy D. Sanders as one of twelve A-20s from the 13th Bombardment Squadron (13th BS) led by Major Richard Walker on a low level strike mission against Hollandia. This A-20 took off last and had to fly at higher throttle settings to catch up to the rest of the formation, consuming extra fuel. On April 16, 1944 at roughly 10:30am took off piloted by 2nd Lt. Billy D. Sanders as one of twelve A-20s from the 13th Bombardment Squadron (13th BS) led by Major Richard Walker on a low level strike mission against Hollandia. This A-20 took off last and had to fly at higher throttle settings to catch up to the rest of the formation, consuming extra fuel. Over the target area last, the formation began their return flight the latest and encountered a severe weather front. This A-20 had mechanical problems and became lost in cloudy weather. Flying alone, this A-20 managed to follow the north coast of New Guinea in hopes of finding Saidor Airfield. Low on fuel, this A-20 force landed with the landing gear down near the Malas River. During the landing, the nose wheel collapsed, and the right wing impacted a tree, but both crew were unhurt. Afterwards, the mission was dubbed "Black Sunday" for the number of aircraft lost. Fates of the Crew The crew was unaware they were behind enemy lines and believed they were inside Allied territory. Together, they built a shelter on the beach and lit a bonfire to attract the attention of friendly forces or aircraft. Using their survival kit, they managed to catch several fish and went to sleep for the night. Only a few minutes walk inland was the North Coast Road, used by the Japanese forces moving between Madang and Hansa Bay. Rescue The next day, spotted by four P-38H Lightnings from the 36th Fighter Squadron led by 1st Lt. Orville Hermann, who reported their position and orbited the area to cover their rescue. Responding to their call, a US Navy PBY Catalina piloted by Lt. Merritt from VPB-34 from USS Half Moon, who had just rescued another downed air crew. Circling, they spotted a column of Japanese soldiers a half mile away approaching the crash site. Even when the PBY Catalina taxied up to them, both were still unaware that they were behind enemy lines. Sanders even invited the Navy crew members to join them for a swim before departing. The Catalina's nose gunners response is unknown, but this humorous incident was quickly reported to 5th Air Force commander General Kenney at Nadzab, as one of the few humorous stories from "Black Sunday", and he even mentioned the incident in his memoirs, recalling his reaction to the rescue "That evening we got a chance to smile." On November 6, 1944 Saunders earned the Air Medal from Col. Jared V. Crabb for completing 45 missions. Wreckage After the rescue, the intact wreckage was strafed by American aircraft, setting the center section on fire to prevent it from falling into Japanese hands. References NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Billy D. Sanders USAF Serial Number Search Results - A-20G-25-DO Havoc 43-9039 "9039 (3rd AG, 13th BS) crashed on landing at Bundi Airfield Apr 16, 1944 after running out of fuel on the infamous Black Sunday mission to Hollanida" General Kenney Reports (1949) page 388 Black Sunday (2000) by Michael Claringbould pages 59-60 (returning from mission), 97 (43-9039) Thanks to Colin Jermy and Edward Rogers for additional information 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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