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Pilot 1st Lt. George W. Dixon, O-25595 (MIA / KIA) Aberdeen, SD Co-Pilot 2nd Walter M. Tibbits, Jr., O-726603 6th PRG, HQ (MIA / KIA) OH Observer Captain Ralph E. F. Meyerhein, O-406432 (MIA / KIA) OH Engineer S/Sgt Oran Koontz, 19067522 (MIA / KIA) CA Radio S/Sgt Walter J. Vaughn, Jr., 13045933 (MIA / KIA) PA Passenger Captain Donald R. Seitz, O-342239 Dental Corps (MIA / KIA) MT Passenger Cpl Kermit B. Cox, 36055867 (MIA / KIA) IL MIA February 18, 1944 MACR 2549 Aircraft History Built by North American Aviation (NAA) in Inglewood. Constructors Number 82-5099. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-25C Mitchell serial number 41-12464. Purchased by the NEIAF as B-25C Mitchell serial number N5-134. Ferried overseas via Hickam Field then across the Pacific to Australia. Wartime History Assigned to No. 18 Squadron (18 Sqn) at Canberra Airfield. In June 1942 renumbered as B-25C Mitchell N5-123. Afterwards, returned to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF). Wartime History Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 3rd Bombardment Group (3rd BG), 13th Bombardment Squadron (13th BS). Assigned to pilot Ellis. Nicknamed "The Nip Clipper" with tail letter "S". Later, it was converted to a B-25 strafer. Renamed "Hellzapopin II". Afterwards, transferred to the 17th Tactical Reconnaissance Group (17th TRG), 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (71st TRS) or Headquarters Squadron (HQ Sqn). When lost, engines were R-2600-13 serial numbers 41-30717 and 41-30322. Weapon serial numbers not noted in Missing Air Crew Report 2549 (MACR 2549). Mission History On February 18, 1944 took off from North Borio Airstrip (Dobodura No. 15) piloted by 1st Lt. George W. Dixon on an administrative flight bound for Kiriwina Airfield. Last seen on take off by Captain Frederick J. Northway. The weather was low ceiling with rain along the flight route. When this aircraft failed to return it was officially listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Search Afterwards, a search was conducted by 5th Air Force Sea and Ground Rescue under the supervision of Lt. Garner. Two units of L-5s searched along the probable route, but no traces of the missing aircraft was found. 5th Fighter Command was also notified, but failed to report anything. Memorials The entire crew was officially declared dead the day of the mission. All are memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing. References Another source states B-25C 41-12464 was assigned to the Netherlands East Indies Air Force (NEIAF) with serial number N5-151. USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-25C Mitchell serial number 41-12464 "12464 (MSN 82-5099) to Netherlands East Indies AF Feb 7, 1942 as N5-134. Ferried to Australia and assigned to 18 Squadron, NEIAF, Canberra, Australia. Renumberd N5-123 Jun 1942. Returned to USAAF as 41-12464. (71st RG) lost Feb 18, 1944. MACR 2549." PNG Museum Aircraft Status Card - B-25C Mitchell 41-12464 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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