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| USAAF 5th AF 38th BG 70th BS |
Pilot 2nd Lt. Fred W. Durbin (WIA, survived) Co-Pilot 2nd Lt. Richard S. Evans (WIA, survived) Navigator 2nd Lt. William J. Winemiller, Jr., O-742106 (KIA, BR) Radio Sgt Benjamin A. Arnold (KIA, BR) Crashed July 3, 1942 Aircraft History Built by Martin in Baltimore, Maryland. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-26B Marauder serial number 41-17584. On April 20, 1942 paid for by citizens of Philadelphia as part of a war drive and at the factory nicknamed "Liberty Bell". Wartime History During May 1942 assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 38th Bombardment Group (38th BG), 70th Bombardment Squadron (70th BS). Assigned to pilot 2nd Lt. Fred W. Durbin. On June 2, 1942 took off from Hamilton Field piloted by 2nd Lt. Fred W. Durbin, Jr. co-pilot 2nd Lt. Richard S. Evans, navigator 2nd Lt. William J. Winemiller and radio/engineer Cpl Benjamin C. Navage as part of "B Flight" (Flight B) a ferry flight bound for Hickam Field on Oahu to join the Hawaiian Defense Command. Mission History On July 3, 1942 took off from Hickam Field on Oahu piloted by Lt. Fred W. Durbin as part of of "A" Flight on a flight bound for Christmas Island Airfield with a reduced crew and two 250 gallon auxiliary fuel tanks installed in the bomb bay. Shortly after take off the right engine caught fire and pilot Durbin attempted to ditch offshore, but struck a camouflaged observation tower on the beach shearing off the left wing causing the bomber to disintegrate. During the crash, Durbin and Evans were tossed from the plane severely injuring both men. Winemuller and Arnold were trapped in the burning wreckage and killed. Recovery of Remains After the crash, the bodies of Winemuller and Arnold were recovered. Memorials Winemuller is buried at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) at row M, grave 844. Arnold is buried at Bethesda United Methodist Church Cemetery in Lawrenceville, GA. References USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-26B Marauder 41-17584 FindAGrave - Benjamin Alton Arnold (grave photo) FindAGrave - William Joseph Winemiller, Jr (grave photo) Bombs Away! A History of the 70th Bombardment Squadron (M) in Early World War II pages 24-25 (June 2, 1942 ferry flight), 30-32, 158-160 (operational order 109a) Sun Setters of the Southwest Pacific Area (2011) pages 48-49 (July 3, 1942 crash), AIII-3, AIV-1 (photo) Thanks to Gregory Boeser for additional information Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated January 22, 2025 |
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