Pacific Wrecks

Missing In Action (MIA)

Prisoners Of War (POW)

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)

Chronology

B-25H-1 Mitchell Serial Number 43-4178

USAAF
5th AF
5th AFSC

Pilot Captain Thomas H. Lang, Jr., O-735803 (MIA / KIA) Nitta Yuma, MS
Co-Pilot 1st Lt Harold A. Wicks, O-756070 (MIA / KIA) Klemme, IA
Navigator 1st Lt Charles R. Ashton, O-807963 (MIA / KIA) Rhinelander, WI
Engineer SSgt Roy H. Garrison, 39455350 (MIA / KIA) Spokane, WA
Radio Sgt Jack L. Stahlman, 13084787 (MIA / KIA) Strattonville, PA
Passenger Major John P. Dart, O-304047 (MIA / KIA) Alexandria, VA
Passenger Captain Nathan G. Findley, O-906427 (MIA / KIA) Anniston, AL
Passenger 2nd Lt. David C. Seamonson, O-742025 (MIA / KIA) Stoughton, WI
Crashed December 23, 1944
MACR 12257

Crew History
This crew was a combination of personnel and passengers from many units. Lang and Wicks were assigned to the 91st Photo Wing, 25th Photo Squadron. Ashton was assigned to the 43rd BG, 65th BS. Garrison was a member of 85th Airdrome Squadron. Stahlman was a member of the 85th Airdrome Squadron. Dart was a member of the 5th Air Force Service Command. Findley was a member of the 1816th Ordnance Company, Aviation. Seamonson was a member of the HQ, 46th Air Service Group.

Aircraft History
Built by North American. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF). Ferried overseas via Hawaii to the Pacific.

Wartime History
Assigned to the 5th Air Force, Service Command (5thAFSC). When lost, engines R2600-13 serial numbers 43-28340 and 43-28380.

Mission History
On December 23, 1944 at 4:52am took off from Biak Island (APO 920) piloted by Captain Thomas H. Lang, Jr. on an administrative flight bound for Tacloban Airfield on Leyte (APO 72). Weather was reported as overcast with unknown visibility and ceiling. Last seen on take off. When this aircraft failed to arrive it was officailly declared Missing In Action (MIA).

Search
After being reported missing, search mission were flown by aircraft from the 54th Troop Carrier Wing and 3rd Emergency Rescue Squadron both based on Biak, involving forty aircraft and three OA-10 Catalinas. A crash boat and destroyer were also dispatched to aid in the search.

Memorials
The entire crew was officially declared dead the day of the mission. The entire crew is memorialized on the tablets of the missing at Manila American Cemetery.

References
Missing Air Crew Report 12257 (MACR 12257)

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Last Updated
August 6, 2024

B-25

MIA
8 Missing

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