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| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
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| USAAF 5th AF 380th BG 531st BS Former Assignments 529th BS |
Pilot Captain Howard W. Merkel O-403734 (MIA / KIA) Marion, IA Co-Pilot 2nd Lt. Howard E. Marion, O-734115 (MIA / KIA) Detroit, MI Navigator 2nd Lt. George C. Kohl, O-732937 (MIA / KIA) Salt Lake City, UT Bombardier 2nd Lt Laurel J. Owen, O-796586 (MIA / KIA) Plymouth, MI Asst Engineer TSgt Raymond B. Hyman, 35259355 (MIA / KIA) Logansport, LA Radio TSgt Joseph M. Cohan, 14066618 (MIA / KIA) La Grange, GA Asst Engineer SSgt Jack R. Burton, 6960177 (MIA / KIA) Fort Worth, TX Asst Radio SSgt Sydney J. Helyer, 32427886 (MIA / KIA) Hempstead, NY Gunner SSgt Robert R. Gutwald, 13084646 (MIA / KIA) Altoona, PA Gunner Sgt Rufus H. Cantrell, 18089947 (MIA / KIA) El Paso, TX Photographer Sgt Wallace E. Leigh, 16093494 (MIA / KIA) Milwaukee, WI Crashed July 10, 1943 at 4:00pm MACR 4424 Aircraft History Built by Consolidated at San Diego between March 2, 1943–March 13, 1943. Contractor Number 1584. On March 17, 1943 first test flight. On March 18, 1943 delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-24D-65-CO Liberator serial number 42-40507. On March 13, 1943 flown to the modification center in Tucson, AZ for modification until March 21, 1943. On April 14, 1943 flown to Hamilton Field then ferried overseas departing April 29, 1943 and flying via Hickam Field then across the Pacific arriving May 19, 1943 at Amberly Field. Wartime History In Australia Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF) and flew a familiarization mission with the 90th Bombardment Group (90th BG), 319th Bombardment Squadron (319th BS). Afterwards, this B-24 was the first to arrive in the Northern Territory. Assigned to the 380th Bombardment Group (380th BG) "The Flying Circus", 529th Bombardment Squadron. Nicknamed "Esmeralda II". Nose number M507. Crew chief MSgt Gilbert N. Murdock. On June 11, 1943 took off piloted by Fleming bombing mission "FEN I-35" against Koepang on West Timor. On June 15, 1943 took off piloted by Kelly on bombing mission "FEN I-37" against Kendari on Celebes. On June 23, 1943 took off piloted by Brissey on bombing mission "FEN I-42" against Macassar on Celebes. On June 27, 1943 took off piloted by Soderberg on bombing mission "FEN I-43" against Laha on Amboina. On July 3, 1943 took off piloted by Kelly on bombing mission "FEN I-45" against Kendari on Celebes. On July 8, 1943 took off piloted by Kelly on bombing mission "FEN I-37" against Penfoei Airfield on West Timor. Afterwards, assigned to the 531st Bombardment Squadron. When lost, engines R-1830-43 serial numbers 42-61695, 42-45443, 42-61592 and 42-61736. Weapon serial numbers not noted in Missing Air Crew Report 4424. Mission History On July 10, 1943 took off on mission "FEN I-49" from Manbulloo Airfield on an armed reconnaissance mission over Babo Airfield. This B-24 was the first aircraft over the target and sucessfully released all bombs. Afterwards, this B-24 was intercepted by one or two Zeros attacked it vigorously and hit the bomb bay fuel tank causing smoke, fire and a small explosion was observed from the rest of the formation. Four of the crew were observed to bail out. The B-24 headed towards the sea and appeared to be under control then exploded at roughly 8,000 or 9,000' and disintegrated in the air. When this bomber failed to return the crew was officially listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Officially, this B-24 was stricken from charge on July 23, 1943. This B-24 flew a total of seven combat missions. Recovery of Remains Postwar, the remains of the crew were recovered and transported to the United States for permanent burial. Memorials After the recovery of remains the entire crew were buried in a group burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at section 82 site 151. Merkel also has a memorial marker at Cedar Memorial Park in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, plot Evergreen. Hyman also has a memorial marker at Mount Hope Cemetery in Logansport, IN at plot 7, cenotaph. References Individual Aircraft Record Card (IARC) - B-24D Liberator 42-40507 USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-24D-65-CO Liberator 42-40507 "40507 (380th BG, 529th BS, "Esmeralda II") shot down by fighters at Babo, New Guinea Guinea Jul 10, 1943. 11 KIA. MACR 4424." Missing Air Crew Report 4424 (MACR 4424) 380th.org - B-24D-645-CO Esmeralda II 42-40507 FindAGrave - Capt Howard Willoughby Merkel (photo, group burial photo) FindAGrave - Capt Howard Willoughey Merkel (memorial marker) FindAGrave - Howard E Marion (group burial photo) FindAGrave - George C Koh (group burial photo) FindAGrave - Raymond Blaine Hyman (group burial photo) FindAGrave - Raymond Blaine Hyman (group burial photo) FindAGrave - Joseph M Cohan (group burial photo) FindAGrave - Jack R Burton (group burial photo) FindAGrave - Sydney J Helyer (group burial photo) FindAGrave - Robert R Gutwald (group burial photo) FindAGrave - Wallace E Leigh (group burial photo) 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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 B-24  MIA 11 Missing Remains Recovered |
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