|  |
|
| |
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| USAAF ATC 1330th AFBU Former Assignment 14th AF 308th BG 373th BS |
Pilot 1st Lt. Delton D. Shilling, O-670447 1330th Air Force Base Unit (MIA / KIA) Tulsa, OK Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Charles H. Henley, O-670905 1330th Air Force Base Unit (MIA / KIA) Knoxville, TN Radio Pfc Charles O. Hedges, 17159249 (MIA / KIA) Stockton, MS Engineer T/Sgt William M. Costell, 6978434 1330th Air Force Base Unit (MIA / KIA) Wildwood Villa, NJ MIA February 1, 1945 MACR 12030 Aircraft History Built by Consolidated at San Diego. Constructors Number 933. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-24D-20-CO Liberator serial number 41-24138. Ferried overseas to China. Wartime History Assigned to the 14th Air Force (14th AF), 308th Bombardment Group (308th BG), 373th Bombardment Squadron (373th BS). Nicknamed "Axis Nightmare" with the nose art of a grim reaper skull and hands wearing a hood. Afterwards, assigned to the Air Transport Command (ATC) and ferried back to the United States. Ferried overseas departing Palm Beach, Florida to South America and Africa including Maduguri, Nigeria before arriving in China. The ferry crew included: pilot 1st Lt. Roy E. Tooman, co-pilot 2nd Lt. Robert E. Hairston, navigator 2nd Lt. Marvin J. Silvershatz, bombardier 2nd Lt. James F. Nolan, assistant engineer Sgt Charles B. Hertzberg, gunner Cpl Deno Renieri, engineer SSgt James L. Whited, assistant radio operator Sgt George C. Little and radio operator SSgt Robert T. Tertell. Assigned to the 1330th Air Force Base Unit (1330th AFBU) with no nickname or nose art and armament removed. When lost, engines R-1830-43 serial numbers CP 307261, 42-44556, CP 301085 and 41- 44887. Mission History On February 1, 1945 took off form Hsinching Airfield in China piloted by 1st Lt. Delton D. Shilling on a flight bound for Jorhat Airfield in India. This B-24 was empty, returning to Jorhat Airfield following a cargo mission. The weather was cloudy at 27,000' with severe turbulence and icing conditions above 15-17,000'. This bomber was on course "ABLE" last position report was being over Likiang China, the following bearings were shot from Kharagpurat 1938z, 232 deg. class 2 at 1946z, 234 deg. class 1 at 2013z, 235 deg, class 1 piaradoba on 183 at 2034z, 270 deg, class 2 aircraft didn't acknowledge these bearings. Airbase at likiang received distress call at 1930z last contact at 2034z somewhere southwest of Fort Hertz valley. The B-24 was last contacted by Kharagpur air ground radio. Reportedly, this B-24 was low on fuel and might have force landed. When it failed to land, this bomber was reported as Missing In Action (MIA). Search Afterwards, search aircraft based at Mohanbari, India searched for this aircraft, unsuccessfully. Memorials The crew was officially declared dead on February 3, 1946. All four are memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing. Henley has a memorial marker in Phoenix Rural Cemetery in Phoenix, NY. Relatives Alan Hedges (relative of Charles O. Hedges) References USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-24D-20-CO Liberator 41-24138 Missing Air Crew Report (MACR) 12030 incorrectly lists this bomber's serial number as "41-24183", B-24D 41-24183 was a different aircraft. American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Delton D. Shilling American Battle Monuments Commission (AMBC) - Charles H. Henley Jr. American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Charles O. Hedges Jr. American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - William M. Costell FindAGrave - 1Lt Delton D Shilling FindAGrave - 1Lt Charles H Henley, Jr FindAGrave - PFC Charles O Hedges, Jr FindAGrave - TSgt William M Costell Thanks to Pete Johnston 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 April 19, 2021
|
 B-24  MIA 4 Missing |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
