Aircraft History
Built by Consolidated at San Diego. Delivered to the U. S. Army Air Force (USAAF).

Wartime History
Assigned to the 2nd Sea Search Attack Squadron to Project Number 96189R by Lt. Col Edward W. Scott. Departed the United States October 1, 1943, and arrived at 7-Mile Drome near Port Moresby on October 21, 1943. When lost, engines R-1830-43 a) MFR50622 b) 42-88862 c) 41-88770 d) 42-88725.

Mission History
On December 15, 1943 took off from Dobodura No. 4 Airfield (Horanda 4Y) on an reconnaissance mission of the Gasmata area. On December 16, 1943 at 1:00am, this bomber reported several enemy aircraft were following it. At 0200/L it reported its position as, 06185 15043E. At 0300/L, the operator transmitted "065..." and then broke off. Contact was never reestablished and a search failed to locate the airplane which is presumed to be lost. It is thought that this aircraft crashed into the sea off southern New Britain in the Gasmata area.

Search
On December 16 and 17, three B-24s searched the Solomon Sea area from Cape Ward Hunt to the Trobriands, and 30-50 miles south of New Britain. They found no trace of this bomber, total search time was 16:30.

Memorials
The entire crew was officially declared dead on January 24, 1946. They are memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing.

References
Missing Air Crew Report 1417 (MACR 1417)
43rd Bombardment Group History
PNG Museum Aircraft Status Card - B-24D Liberator 42-41043

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Last Updated
February 14, 2020