Aircraft History
Built by North American. Delivered to the U. S. Army. Ferried overseas via Hawaii to Australia.

Wartime History
Assigned to the 5th Air Force, 8th Service Group, Headquarters Squadron part of the FEAF - CRTC School (Far East Air Force - Combat Replacement Training Center). No known nose art or nickname. When lost, engines R-2600-13 serial numbers left 41-29852, right 43-21617.

Mission History
On September 2, 1944 took off from 7-Mile Drome near Port Moresby at approximately 7:21am. For reasons unknown it crashed into the sea in the vicinity of Redscar Head at approximately 10:30am.

Search
After the crash, A-20 Havoc piloted 2nd Lt. Ben Byrd observed an oil slick on the water and two unoccupied life rafts and a wheel from the plane while over Redscar Head. The cause of the accident is unknown. Villagers from Lea Lea observed aircraft flying low, a propeller and wing hit the water, and the aircraft exploded.

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

References
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Robert E. Dreger
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Frank P. Greco
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Roy L. Erwin
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Charles C. Watkins
FindAGrave - 2Lt Robert E Dreger (tablets of the missing photo)
FindAGrave - 2Lt Frank P Greco (tablets of the missing photo)
FindAGrave - TSgt Roy L Erwin
FindAGrave - Corp Charles C Watkins
PNG Museum Aircraft Status Card - B-25 43-4341

Contribute Information
Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned?
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
December 1, 2018