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Aircraft History Wartime History Mission
History Inbound to the target, one A-24 aborted the mission, and seven remaining A-24s proceeded to bomb Japanese transports 20 miles north of Gona, 1 1/4 miles form shore. The convoy was protected by A6M2 Zeros from the Tainan Kōkūtai which intercepted the A-24s as they started their dives. The A-24s dive-bombed in two waves. The first wave: A-24 41-15797 (shot down), A-24 piloted by Hill (this aircraft) and A-24 piloted by Raymond Wilkins (the only aircraft to return to 7-Mile). The second wave: A-24 41-15819, A-24 41-15766, A-24 piloted by Cassels and A-24 piloted by Parker all four were shot down. The Kotoku Maru, was hit once at the No. 5 hatch by the second wave, forcing its troops to unload and leave its cargo undelivered. The Japanese ships all return to Lae. A6M2 Zeros fired on this A-24 and damaged the tail and wounded rear gunner Sam's hand. Despite his wounds, he kept kept firing his rear gun then his 45 caliber pistol with the other hand at the attacking Zeros. Afterwards, Hill diverted to the nearest Allied landing strip at Fall River Aerodrome near Milne Bay, in order to get immediate medical help for Sam. Although damaged, Hill landed safely. Sam was given medical treatment at Milne Bay for his severe wounds. He died of his wounds on August 4, 1942. The A-24's damaged tail wheel was repaired and Hill departed for 7-Mile Drome the next day. The ultimate fate of this A-24 is unknown, likely scrapped or otherwise disappeared. Memorials Relatives References Contribute
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