Pacific Wrecks

Missing In Action (MIA)

Prisoners Of War (POW)

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)

Chronology

F-7B "Cherokee Strip" Serial Number 44-40198

USAAF
5th AF
6th PRG
20th CMS

20th CMS 1945

Aircraft History
Built by Consolidated as B-24J-150-CO. This Liberator had an unpainted aluminum finish. Delivered to the U. S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-24J-150-CO Liberator serial number 44-40198. Converted to F-7B photographic reconnaissance version. Ferried overseas via Hickam Field then across the Pacific to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA).

Wartime History
Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group (6th PRG), 20th Combat Mapping Squadron (20th CMS). Assigned to pilot Craig. Nicknamed "Cherokee Strip" with the nose art of a woman wearing an American Indian headdress on the right side of the nose. This F-7 flew at least 106 photographic reconnaissance missions over New Guinea, Netherlands East Indies (NEI) and the Philippines.

Mission History
On April 21, 1945 took off from McGuire Airfield (San Jose) on Mindoro Island on a test flight. During the flight, the engine caught fire and the bomber crashed into the sea northwest of San Theresa village on Mindoro.

References
USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-24J-150-CO Liberator 44-40198
"40198 crashed into test flight over water NW of San Theresa Village, Mindoro Apr 21, 1945 when engine caught fire."

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Last Updated
October 23, 2019

F-7B

Interviews & Oral Histories