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| USAAF 5th AF 43rd BG 403rd BS |
Pilot 1st Lt. Robert J. Schuessler, O-672883 (KIA, BR) IL Co-Pilot 2nd Lt. Linwood W. Perkins, O-801305 (KIA, BR) ME Navigator/Observer 1st Lt. Louis Metaxatos, O-449985 (KIA, BR) MA Navigator 2nd Lt. Samuel E. Adams, O-803935 (KIA, BR) OH Bombardier 2nd Lt. Jay A. Porter, O-731395 (KIA, BR) Engineer TSgt Vernon Harper, 34337453 (KIA, BR) AL Asst Enginner SSgt Carl L. Wallenharst, 35464667 (KIA, BR) Radio TSgt Anthony M. Cucchiaio, 32457514 (KIA, BR) NJ Asst. Radio Sgt Frank Macano, 33249349 (KIA, BR) Gunner SSgt Joseph A. Haczynski, 31223212 (KIA, BR) MA Armorer-Gunner SSgt Walter A. Majawski, 35313949 (KIA, BR) Observer C. W. Schrander, NEI Army (KIA, BR) Crashed November 1, 1943 MACR 15601 Aircraft History Built by Consolidated Aircraft Corporation in San Diego. Constructors Number 2001. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-24D-115-CO Liberator serial number 42-40924. Ferried overseas via Hickam Field then across the Pacific to Australia arriving September 24, 1943. Wartime History In August 1943, assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 43rd Bombardment Group (43rd BG) "Ken's Men", 403rd Bombardment Squadron (403rd BS). No known nickname or nose art. Assigned to pilot 1st Lt. Robert J. Schuessler. When lost, engine serial numbers unknown. Armed with .50 caliber machine guns makers and serial numbers unknown. Mission History On November 1, 1943 at 2:00am took off from 7 Mile Drome (Jackson) near Port Moresby piloted by 1st Lt. Robert J. Schuessler on a weather reconnaissance flight bound for Rabaul. This B-24 crashed on take off at the end of the runway, killing the entire crew. The cause of the crash was never determined. Memorials The entire crew was officially declared dead the day of the mission and their remains were recovered. Postwar, the remains of the crew were transported to the United States for permanent burial. Three of the crew are buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl). Metaxatos at plot B grave 635. Cucchiaio at plot O grave 1350. Adams at plot C grave 1495. Schuessler is buried at Arlington National Cemetery at section 34 site 1711. Harper is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tallassee, AL. Perkins is buried at Pine Grove Cemetery in Bangor, ME. Porter at Union Cemetery in Humboldt, IA at lot 34 block 13. The burials of Haczynski, Macano, Majawski and Wallenharst are unknown, but presumed to be in private cemeteries in their hometowns in the United States. The burial of Schrander is unknown, presumed to be in private cemetery in his hometown in the Netherlands. References NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Joseph A. Haczynski USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-24D-115-CO Liberator 42-40924 Missing Air Crew Report 15601 (MACR 15601) does not list the serial number of this bomber FindAGrave - Robert J Schuessler (grave photo) FindAGrave - Lieut Linwood W Perkins date of death incorrectly listed as November 1, 1944 FindAGrave - Lieut Louis Metaxatos (grave photo) FindAGrave - Samuel E Adams (grave photo) FindAGrave - LT Jay A. Porter (grave photo) FindAGrave - Sgt Vernon Harper (grave photo) FindAGrave - Anthony M Cucchiaio (grave photo) FindAGrave - Joseph Anthony Haczynski (grave photo) Ken's Men Against The Empire Volume II (2019) pages 29 (November 1, 1943), 352 (November 1, 1943 crew). 378 (403rd BS, 42-40924), 458 (index Schuessler) Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated August 20, 2026 |
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