|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| USAAF 5th AF 345th BG 500th BS  345th BG Oct 1943 |
Pilot Captain Lyle E. Anacker, O-662853 (MIA / KIA) WI Co-Pilot 2nd Lt. David E. Koenig, O-668012 (MIA / KIA) OH Bombardier/Navigator 2nd Lt. Jerome A. Migliacci, O-797043 (survived) Trenton, NJ Engineer S/Sgt George M. Hardy, Jr., 20221040 (WIA, KIA / MIA) NJ Radio S/Sgt Millard Svec, 36602086 (MIA / KIA) IL Tail Gunner Sgt Robert T. Henderson, 13022773 (survived) Edri, PA Ditched October 18, 1943 MACR 1339 Aircraft History Built by North American Aviation (NAA). Constructors Number 87-8219. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-25D-5 Mitchell serial number 41-30054. Ferried overseas via Hickam Field then across the Pacific to Australia. Wartime History During March 1943 assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 345th Bombardment Group (345th BG), 500th Bombardment Squadron (500th BS). Modified into a B-25D-1 strafer variant at the 4th Air Depot at Garbutt Field in Townsville. Assigned to pilot Naigle with crew chief Cheney. Nicknamed "SNAFU / MFUTU" with the nose art of a middle finger and a Japanese caricature above the middle finger. When lost, engines R-2600-13 serial numbers 41-28603 and 41-28564. Mission History On October 18, 1943 took off from Dobodura Airfield piloted by Anacker on a bombing mission against Rabaul without fighter escort. Over the target, this B-25 plus B-25D "Tondelayo" 41-30669 and B-25D "Sorry Satchul" 41-30056 attacked a 6,000 ton ship off Vunapope. Intercepted by enemy fighters on the return flight, gunner claimed five shot down before being damaged. On fire, this B-25 ditched off Cape Kwoi. Fates of the Crew Four of the crew survived, but only two made it ashore: Migliacci and Henderson. They sucessfully linked up with friendly natives and were taken to coastwatchers and lived with them for six months. On March 26, 1944 both were rescued by a U.S. Navy (USN) PT Boat. Memorials The four missing members of the crew were officially declared dead the day of the mission. All are memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing. References USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-25D-5 Mitchell 41-30054 "30054 (345th BG) lost Oct 18, 1943. MACR 1339." Missing Air Crew Report 1339 (MACR 1339) E&E Report No. 43 - Lt. Migliacci and SSgt Henderson March 28, 1944 pages 1 - 7 PNG Museum Aircraft Status Card - B-25D Mitchell 41-30054 Warpath Across The Pacific (1996) pages 49, 70-71, 73-74, 366, 391 Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated
|
 B-25  MIA 4 Missing 2 Rescued |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
