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| USAAF 5th AF 43rd BG 64th BS Former Assignments 19th BG 93rd BS  43rd BG circa 42 to Jan 43  
5th CCU January 5, 1943 |
Pilot Major Allen Lindberg, O-383726 C. O. 64th BS (MIA / KIA) New York, NY Co-Pilot Captain Benton H. Daniel, O-421896 (MIA / POW / KIA) Hollis, OK Bombardier 2nd Lt. Robert L. Hand, O-726160 (MIA /KIA) Fields Store, TX Navigator 1st Lt. John W. Hanson, O-434002 (MIA / KIA) Missoula, MT Engineer TSgt Dennis T. Craig, 6152544 (MIA / KIA) New York, NY Radio SSgt Quentin W. Blakely, 6581181 (MIA / KIA) Washington, DC Gunner Sgt Leslie A. Stewart, 6996623 (MIA / KIA) East Chicago, IL Gunner Pvt Leland W. Stone, 19064721 (MIA / KIA) Oakland, CA Gunner Pfc William G. Fraser, Jr., 20815917 (MIA / KIA) San Antonio, TX Observer Major Jack W. Bleasdale, O-022328 (MIA / POW / KIA) Denver, CO Observer Brigadier General Kenneth N. Walker, O-012510 HQ, V Bomber Command (MIA / KIA) Cerillos, NM MIA January 5, 1943 MACR 15359 Aircraft History Built by Boeing at Seattle. Constructors Number 3143. On July 8, 1942 delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-17F-10-BO Flying Fortress serial number 41-24458. Ferried overseas via Hickam Field then across the Pacific to Australia. Wartime History Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 19th Bombardment Group (19th BG), 93rd Bombardment Squadron (93rd BS). Nicknamed "San Antonio Rose" with the lettering painted with a white outline. This B-17 had no known nose art. Also known by the last three digits of the tail serial number "458". On October 8, 1942 took off from Mareeba Airfield piloted by Major Felix Hardison and flown to 7 Mile Drome near Port Moresby. After refueling, took off after dark on bombing mission against Rabaul. This B-17 was leading the first wave of nine B-17s from the 93rd BS, followed by eight B-17s from the 28th Bombardment Squadron plus nine B-17s from the 63rd Bombardment Squadron (including two B-17s from the 43rd BG, 403rd BS). The formation was over the target during the early morning hours of October 9, 1942. From 4,500', this B-17 dropped its bomb load of fourteen 300 lb bombs and eight incendiary bundles over the town starting a large fire. On October 13, 1942 took off from 7 Mile Drome piloted by Major Felix Hardison on a bombing mission against Rabaul. During November 1942, assigned to the 43rd Bombardment Group (43rd BG) "Ken's Men", 64th Bombardment Squadron (64th BS). When lost, engine and weapon serial numbers not noted in the Missing Air Crew Report 15359 (MACR 15359) that was generated retroactively circa 1945-1946. Mission History On January 5, 1943 at 8:48am took off from 7 Mile Drome near Port Moresby piloted by Major Allen Lindberg leading "Mission 4L" a bombing mission against Rabaul. Aboard this B-17 were two observers: Brigadier General Kenneth N. Walker, Commanding Officer (C. O.) 5th Bomber Command and Major Jack W. Bleasdale. The formation included six B-17 Flying Fortresses from the 64th Bombardment Squadron (64th BS) plus six B-24 Liberators from the 90th Bombardment Group (90th BG). The specific targets were Japanese shipping in Blanche Bay, Simpson Harbor and Lakunai Airfield near Rabaul. Around noon, the B-17 formation at 8,500' arrived over the target area and bombed Japanese shipping in Blanche Bay anchored between Lesson Point to Kokopo then proceeded over Simpson Harbor. This B-17 was last seen over the target area, east of Vunakanau Airfield at 5,000' pursued "closely pursued by four (4) to five (5) Zeros." [sic Ki-43-I Oscars from 11th Hiko Sentai] Left outboard engine [no. 1 engine] temporarily smoking." When this B-17 failed to return the entire crew was officially declared Missing In Action (MIA). Also lost was B-17F 41-24538 (crew rescued). According to Missing Air Crew Report 15359 (MACR 15359): "Departed on mission 4L to attack Rabaul, at 0848 from 7 Mile Drome near Port Moresby to attack ships in Simpson Harbor. Last seen going into clouds, closely pursued by four to five Japanese fighters [Ki-43-I Oscars from 11th Hiko Sentai]. The left outboard engine was observed to be smoking." A memorandum to the MACR AG 704 (April 29, 1949) states: "The plane in which these men became missing in action was a B-17 #458, observed turning left making a possible run on shipping in the Keravia Bay on 5 January 1943, in the Rabaul area. It was last seen heading south, just east of Vunakanau, at about 5,000' with left outboard motor smoking and out. The plane, closely pursued by several enemy fighters, went into the clouds and did not rejoin the flight." Fates of the Crew Observer Bleasdale and co-pilot Daniel bailed out and landed in the jungle to the north of Tol. Both were captured by Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) personnel at Tol and transported to Rabaul where they became Prisoners Of War (POWs). In captivity, both were interrogated during February 1943 until March 1943. The two prisoners are mentioned in documents supposedly signed by Bleasdale that were shown to American POWs including 2nd Lt. Jose L. Holguin when he was interrogated during July 1943. During the middle or late January 1943 both Bleasdale and Daniel were captured at Tol and transported to Rabaul. On February 26, 1943 observer Bleasdale was interrogated by the Japanese at Rabaul. Nippon Times article "U.S. 'Flying Fortress' Is Claimed Mediocre; Unbeatable Bomber Nothing But 'Sitting Bird'" January 19, 1944 mentions him as "Major X X". He was no longer at Rabaul as of the middle of July 1943. He did not survive captivity and was never reported as an official POW of Japan. He remains listed as Missing In Action (MIA). In late February or early March 1943, co-pilot Daniel was interrogated about technical aspects of the B-17 Flying Fortress including its performance and capabilities that was the subject of a report "The B-17 and Its Armament" dated March 2, 1943 and intercepted by Allied Translator and Interpreter Service (ATIS) and translated into English. A Catholic priest detained at Rabaul noted Daniel's name as a captive of the Japanese. He was no longer at Rabaul by the middle of July 1943. Reportedly, he might have been taken to Kavieng. He did not survive captivity and was never reported as an official POW of Japan. He remains listed as Missing In Action (MIA). The fate of the rest of the crew is unknown. The other nine are presumed to have been wounded or killed during the air combat or died when the bomber crashed. Every member of the crew remains listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Search On January 6, 1943 a search mission was flown by B-24D Liberator 41-23773 over New Britain in an attempt to locate Waller's missing bomber. Over Wide Bay, this B-24 went Missing In Action (MIA) and was claimed as shot down by A6M Zeros from 582 Kokutai (582 Air Group). No other specific search missions were conducted for this missing plane. Wreckage The wreckage of B-17F "San Antonio Rose" 41-24458 has never been located. Postwar, U.S. Army AGRS (1945-1949) investigated other aircraft wrecks on New Britain but never had any specific leads or information related to this bomber. During 2012, JPAC conducted a canvassing mission for information related to Missing In Action (MIA) U.S. aircraft and personnel in East New Britain Province but did not generate any specific leads associated with this B-17 loss. Memorials The entire crew was officially declared dead on December 12, 1945. All are memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing. Lindberg earned the Silver Star and Purple Heart, posthumously. He also has a memorial marker at Headstone in Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, NJ. Daniel earned the Silver Star and Purple Heart, posthumously. Hand earned the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and Purple Heart, posthumously. Hanson earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), Air Medal and Purple Heart, posthumously. Craig earned the Silver Star and Purple Heart, posthumously. Blakely earned the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and Purple Heart, posthumously. Stewart earned the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, posthumously. Stone earned the Air Medal and Purple Heart, posthumously. Fraser earned the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and Purple Heart, posthumously. Bleasdale earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and Purple Heart, posthumously. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, posthumously. Walker earned the Purple Heart, posthumously. Walker was the highest ranking American military officer listed Missing In Action (MIA) on a combat mission in the South Pacific (SOPAC) or South West Pacific Area (SWPA) during World War II. Afterwards, he was nominated for the Medal of Honor by General Douglas MacArthur with the award issued under War Department, General Orders No. 13, March 11, 1943. On March 25, 1943 Walker's posthumous Medal of Honor was presented to his eldest son, Kenneth N. Walker, Jr. by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House. Waker also earned the Silver Star and Legion of Merit. On January 13, 1948 the U.S. Air Force (USAF) renamed Roswell Army Air Field in Roswell, NM to Walker Air Force Base (Walker AFB) in his honor until officially closed on June 30, 1967 and is today Roswell International Air Center. On December 7, 2001 a memorial marker for Walker was dedicated at Arlington National Cemetery at section MC Site 36-M. At Maxwell AFB "Walker Hall" home to the College of Aerospace Doctrine Research and Education is also named in his honor. Relatives Kenneth Walker, Jr. (elder son of Kenneth N. Walker) Douglas Walker (youngest son of Kenneth N. Walker) References Maj. Lindberg was the Commanding Officer (C. O.) of the 43rd Bombardment Group (43rd BG), 64th Bombardment Squadron (64th BS). NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Allen Lindberg NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Benton H. Daniel NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Robert L. Hand NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - John W. Hanson NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Leland W. Stone NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - William G. Fraser, Jr. Brig. General Kenneth N. Walker Commanding Officer (C. O.) of 5th Bomber Command (V Bomber Command) USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-17F-10-BO Flying Fortress 41-24458 "24458 (43rd BG, 64th BS, "San Antonio Rose I [sic I]") shot down by Japanese fighters Jan 5, 1943 on bombing mission at Rabaul, New Britain. 9 KIA, 2 POW." YouTube "Mission To Rabaul" January 5, 1943 cine footage via NARA RG 111, “5th AAFCCU Mission To Rabaul New Britain” Control Number: NWDNM(m)-111-ADC-10476 ARC Identifier: 24237 USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-17F-10-BO Flying Fortress 41-24458 "24458 (43rd BG, 64th BS, "San Antonio Rose I") shot down by Japanese fighters Jan 5, 1943 on bombing mission at Rabaul, New Britain. 9 KIA, 2 POW." Missing Air Crew Report 15359 (MACR 15359) was created retroactively on June 9, 1945 NARA World War II Prisoners of War Data File - Jack W. Bleasdale NARA World War II Prisoners of War Data File does not list Benton H. Daniel as an officially reported POW American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Allen Lindberg American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Benton H. Daniel American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Robert L. Hand American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - John W. Hanson American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Dennis T. Craig American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Quentin W. Blakely American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Leslie A. Stewart American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Leland W. Stone American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - William G. Fraser Jr. American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Jack W. Bleasdale American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Kenneth N. Walker FindAGrave - Virtual Cemetery created by PacificWrecks.com - B-17F "San Antonio Rose" 41-24458 FindAGrave - Maj Allen Lindberg (tablets of the missing) FindAGrave - Allen Lindberg (memorial marker photo) FindAGrave - Capt Benton Hayes Daniel, Jr (news, tablets of the missing photo) FindAGrave - 1Lt Robert Lee Hand (photo, tablets of the missing) FindAGrave - 1Lt John 'Wesley' Hanson, Jr (photo, tablets of the missing) FindAGrave - TSgt Dennis Craig (tablets of the missing) FindAGrave - Sgt Quentin W. Blakely (photo, tablets of the missing) FindAGrave - Sgt Leslie A Stewart (photo, tablets of the missing) FindAGrave - PFC Leland W Stone (tablets of the missing) FindAGrave - PFC William Gerard "Jerry" Fraser, Jr (photo, tablets of the missing photo) FindAGrave - LtCol Jack Walter Bleasdale (photo, tablets of the missing photo) Arlington National Cemtery (ANC Explorer) - Kenneth N. Walker (grave photos) FindAGrave - Gen Kenneth Newton Walker (photo, tablets of the missing photo) FindAGrave - BG Kenneth Newton Walker (photo, memorial marker photo) Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) - Kenneth N. Walker (memorial marker photo) PNG Museum Aircraft Status Card - B-17F Flying Fortress 41-24458 Kenneth N. Walker: Airpower's Untempered Crusader (1997) by Martha Byrd biography of Walker Pride of Seattle (1998) page 9 Flightpath Magazine, August–October 2002 Vol. 14, No.1 "Rabaul's Ultimate Mystery – The Loss of Brigadier General Kenneth N. Walker" by Michael Claringbould Daedalus Flyer Magazine “Rabaul’s Ultimate Mystery – The Loss of Brig. Gen. Kenneth N. Walker” by Michael Claringbould Fall 2002 Issue (reprint of Flightpath Magazine article) Oz@War - Brigadier General Kenneth Newton Walker, USAAC 17 July 1898 - 5 Jan 1943 MIA General Kenneth N. Walker (DVD) 2001 memorial service and interviews War In Pacific Skies (2003) page 49 (painting 'An Expensive Mission' by Jack Fellows) "An Expensive Mission" by Jack Fellows B-17 Flying Fortress Units of the Pacific War (2003) B-17F "San Antonio Rose" 41-24458 references: (cover artwork) pages 4, 44 (profile), 61-62 Kenneth N. Walker references: 4, 6, 56, 62, 93 Ki-43 'Oscar' Aces of World War 2 (2009) page 74 Flightpath Magazine August-October 2012 "Rabaul October" by Steve Birdsall page 56, 58 Air Power History "The Search General Walker: New Insights" Fall 2014 pages 6-19 [PDF] by Richard Dunn Ken's Men Against The Empire Volume I (2016) Walker references: 6, 49, 58, 100-104, 106-109, 158, 168, 170, 209, 271, 313, 327, 381, 406 (index Walker, Kenneth N.) "San Antonio Rose" 41-24458 references: 87, 99 (map), 104 (photo), 103-108, 113, 209, 210 (artwork 'An Expensive Mission') 313, 327, 343, 355, 402 (index San Antonio Rose) South Pacific Air War: The Role of Airpower in the New Guinea and Solomon Island Campaigns, January 1943 to February 1944 by Richard Dunn (2024) pages 100-102, 104, 106-107, 167, 184, 198, 291 Home of Heros - World War II Medal of Honor recipients - Walker, Kenneth Newton Kenneth N. Walker Official Website Thanks to Douglas Walker, Steve Birdsall, Brian Bennett, Richard Dunn, Justin Taylan, Michael Claringbould, and Larry Hickey, Eugene Monihan and David Lindley for additional information, research and analysis Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated February 16, 2025
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 B-17  MIA / POW 11 Missing 2 Prisoners Executed  Photo Archive  Japanese Side of the Mission Prisoners of War (POW) Daniel and Bleasdale  Walker Medal of Honor Citation  MIA General Walker DVD Video |
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