On February 20, 1942 took off from Malang Airfield on Java piloted by 2nd Richard H. Launder, O-421633 with gunner Cpl Irvin W. Lnenicka, 06581779 as one of seven A-24 Dive Bombers on a dive bombing mission against the Japanese landing force off Bali. Over the target, this A-24 was hit by anti-aircraft fire in the oil cooler and nearly landed at an airfield occupied by the Japanese before aborting the landing and returning to base safely.

This aircraft was officially condemned on November 7, 1942. The ultimate fate unknown, likely abandoned in Java or otherwise disappeared.

Memorials
Launder retired from the U. S. Air Force (USAF) with the rank of Captain. He passed away on January 24, 2014 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery at section 65, site 3243.

Lnenicka passed away on October 18, 1992. He is buried at Terrace Heights Memorial Park in Yakima, WA at section 81, block 99.

References
NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Richard H. Launder
NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Irvin W. Lnenicka
USAF Serial Number Search Results - A-24-DE Dauntless 41-15760
"15760 damaged in landing Aug 25, 1941, repaired. Lost in Java, condemned Nov 7, 1942"
They Fought with What They Had by Walter Edmonds
Operation Plumb
College Campus in the Sky by Richard Launder pages 40-41
"I crossed over a beach, which for some damn reason, I took for Java. Up and over a little hill and there it was, salvation a beautiful airstrip."
FindAGrave - Richard Henry Launder
FindAGrave - Irvin Wesley “Sam” Lnenicka

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Last Updated
October 23, 2019