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| USAAF 5th AF 38th BG 405th BS Former Assignment 3rd BG 8th BS |
Pilot 1st Lt. Robert H. Huhn (WIA, died April 17, 1944) Ann Arbor, MI Co-Pilot 2nd Lt. Frederick C. Rogers (WIA, died April 17, 1944) Niagara, NY Navigator 2nd Lt. William G. Barron (KIA, BR) Radio TSgt Joseph A. Carroll, 32401913 (WIA, died April 25, 1944) NY Crashed April 16, 1944 MACR none Aircraft History Built by North American Aviation (NAA). Constructors Number 87-8502. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-25D-10 Mitchell serial number 41-30337. Ferried overseas via Hickam Field across the Pacific to Australia. Modified into a B-25D-1 strafer variant by the 4th Air Depot at Garbutt Field in Townsville. Wartime History Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 3rd Bombardment Group (3rd BG), 8th Bombardment Squadron (8th BS). No known nickname or nose art. On February 2, 1944 assigned to 38th Bombardment Group (38th BG) "Sun Setters", 405th Bombardment Squadron (405th BS). No known nickname or nose art. On February 3, 1944 first combat mission a low level strike against But Airfield. In total, this bomber flew at least 12 missions. Mission History On April 16, 1944 took off from Nadzab Airfield pilot 1st Lt. Robert H. Huhn on a low level strike against Hollandia. Returning, the formation encountered a severe weather front of bad weather. While landing at Saidor Airfield in poor visibility and collided with F-5A Lightning 42-67350 killing pilot 1st Lt. Donald W. Christians. Aboard the B-25, Barron was killed in the crash and the three other crew were severely injured and suffered burns. Afterwards, the mission was dubbed "Black Sunday". Fates of the Crew Barron was killed in the crash. The other three crew were rescued with severe injuries and taken to the hospital at Saidor. Huhn died of severe burns later that day. Rogers died on April 17, 1944. Carroll was treated with penicillin and died of his burns and injuries and died April 25, 1944. Afterwards, all four were buried in New Guinea. Postwar, they were transported to the Philippines and United States for permanent burial. Memorials Huhn earned the Purple Heart, posthumously. He is buried at Bethlehem Cemetery in Ann Arbor, MI at block 3, lot 42. Rogers earned the Purple Heart, posthumously. He was officially declared dead April 17, 1944. Rogers is buried at buried at Manila American Cemetery at plot H row 5 grave 137. Barron earned the Purple Heart, posthumously. He died April 16, 1944 but was officially declared dead October 16, 1944 in error. He is buried at Manila American Cemetery at plot A row 4 grave 39. Carroll earned the Purple Heart, posthumously and officially declared dead April 25, 1944. He is buried at Mount Saint Mary Cemetery in Flushing, NY. References NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Robert H. Huhn NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Joseph A. Carroll USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-25D-10 Mitchell 41-30337 "30337 (38th BG, 405th BS) collided with F-5A 42-67350 in poor visibility at Saidor Apr 16, 1944 during infamous Black Sunday mission to Hollandia. 4 crew killed." FindAGrave - 1LT Robert Herman Huhn (grave photos) FindAGrave - 2LT Frederick Charles “Fred” Rogers (photos) American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - William G. Barron death listed as October 16, 1944 [sic] FindAGrave - 2Lt William G Barron (Manila American Cemetery) death listed as October 16, 1944 [sic] FindAGrave - Joseph A Carroll (grave photos) NARA - WWII Hospital Admission Card Files, 1942-1954 - Carroll, Joseph A Black Sunday (2000) by Michael Claringbould mentions this loss Sun Setters of the Southwest Pacific Area (2011) pages 27-277 (February 3, 1944) 327-331 (April 16, 1944), 330 (41-30337), AIII-17 (405th BS, 41-30337) Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated August 30, 2024
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