|  |
|
| |
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| USAAF 5th AF 475th FG 433rd FS |
Pilot 2nd Lt Donald Y. King, O-743452 (MIA / KIA) IA Crashed November 2, 1943 at 1:45pm MACR 1421 Aircraft History Built by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation (LAC) in Burbank. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as P-38H-5-LO Lightning serial number 42-66857. Disassembled and shipped overseas and reassembled. Wartime History Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 475th Fighter Group (475th FG) "Satan's Angels", 433rd Fighter Squadron (433rd FS) "Possum". No known nickname or nose art. On October 15, 1943 took off from North Borio Airfield (Dobodura No. 15) piloted by 2nd Lt. John C. Smith on a mission to intercept an incoming Japanese air raid against Allied shipping in Oro Bay. During the air combat, he claims a Ki-43 Oscar, his second aerial victory. When lost, engines V-1710-91 serial number 42-94097 and V-1710-89 serial number 42-30074. Aboard were .50 caliber machine guns serial numbers 412232, 397425, 397371 and 235314 and 20mm cannon 58504. Mission History On November 2, 1943 took off from Borio Airfield (Doboudra No. 11) pilot 2nd Lt Donald Y. King as one of twelve P-38s on mission number 3-85 to escort two squadrons of B-25D Mitchells over Rabaul. Weather was scattered cumulus clouds to 27,000'. Over the target, engaged by 30-35 Zeros from above and both flanks. The escorting P-38s were forced on the defensive. While engaged in aerial combat over Simpson Harbor, King attempted to engage two Zeros and was last seen by 1st Lt. Donald D. Revenaugh. When this aircraft failed to return, King was officially declared Missing In Action (MIA). Wreckage This aircraft is reportedly located in the jungle near Blokaua (Blockau) at at roughly Lat 4.29 Long 152.21. Memorials King was officially declared dead the day of the mission. He is memorialized on the tablets of the missing at Manila American Cemetery. References Missing Air Crew Report 1421 (MACR 1421) 433rd Fighter Squadron microfilm AO 808, frames 726, 2023 PNG Museum Aircraft Status Card - P-38H Lightning 42-66857 Stars & Bars (1995) page 361 (Smith, John C. 10/15/43 / P-38H 42-66857 / Oro Bay) American Battle Monument Commission (ABMC) - Donald Y. King FindAGrave - 2Lt Donald Y King (photo, tablets of the missing photo) Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated April 28, 2025
|
 P-38  MIA1 Missing |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
