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| USAAF 5th AF 22nd BG 19th BS Former Assignment 33rd BS |
Pilot 1st Lt. Carroll C. McGlasson (survived) Co-Pilot 2nd Lt. Douglas W. Diggs, O-799728 (KIA, BR) NC Crew Chief S/Sgt. Clifford F. McClure (KIA, BR) IL Radio S/Sgt. Donald G. Murray (WIA) Passenger ? (WIA) Ditched September 12, 1943 MACR none Aircraft History Built by Martin in Baltimore, Maryland. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-26 Marauder serial number 40-1406. Ferried overseas by pilot 2nd Lt. Milton O. Johnson via Hickam Field then across the Pacific to Australia. On March 27, 1942 arrives at Amberly Field near Brisbane. Wartime History During late March 1942 assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 22nd Bombardment Group (22nd BG), 33rd Bombardment Squadron (33rd BS). Nicknamed "Reluctant" with the nose art of a Walt Disney's Reluctant Dragon character from the animated movie Reluctant Dragon (1941) sitting atop a large cloud with two small clouds nearby. Also referred to as "Reluctant Dragon" but only the first word was painted on the aircraft. Assigned to pilot 2nd Lt. Milton O. Johnson and later Lt. Carl King with crew chief Dorman. On April 6, 1942 first mission bombing Rabaul. In total, this B-26 flew at least 20 combat missions, plus five missions while on loan to the 19th Bombardment Squadron. On April 7, 1942 begins operating from Antil Plains Airfield. On July 20, 1942 begins operating from Woodstock Airfield. On September 29, 1942 began operating from Iron Range Airfield. By October 1942, the upper edge of the tail was painted yellow. During June 1943, transfered to the 19th Bombardment Squadron (19th BS). On August 13, 1943 first combat mission with the squadron against Salamaua with the 19th BS and flew a total of a t least eight combat missions. Mission History On September 12, 1943 took off from Dobodura piloted by 1st Lt. Carroll C. McGlasson for a training flight. Also aboard was a Merchant Marine passenger. During the flight, one engine was intentionally shut down and could not be restarted, likely due to a magneto failure. Unable to return, McGlasson planned to ditch off Cape Killerton and skid the bomber up onto the beach. Instead, this B-26 ditched too far away and sank in deep water. Aboard, Diggs and McClure died in the crash. Radio operator Murray and the Merchant Marine passenger were injured. McGlasson was unhurt in the landing. The surviving crew members were able to swim ashore and were rescued. Wreckage This bomber remains in situ off Cape Killerton but the water quality is poor. Recovery of Remains After the crash, the remains of the two dead crew were recovered. Memorials As the mission was non-combat, neither earned the Purple Heart, posthumously. Diggs is buried at Manila American Cemetery at Plot D Row 6 Grave 158. McClure is buried at Oakridge Cemetery in Effingham, IL at Oakridge, Addition B, Block 6, Lot 3, Grave 1. References USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-26 40-1406 FindAGrave - 2Lt Douglas W Diggs (grave photos) American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Douglas W. Diggs FindAGrave - SSGT Clifford F McClure (photo, grave photo) Revenge of the Red Raiders (2006) pages 63 (April 6, 1942), 189 (August 13, 1943), 304 (Profile 15), 496 (19th BS, 40-1406), 478 (September 12, 1943), 499 (33rd BS, 40-1406), 517, 518 (photo), 556-558 (Profile 15 description), 615 (index McGlasson), 619 (index Reluctant Dragon) 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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