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| USAAF 5th AF 71st TRG 110th TRS |
Pilot 1st Paul P. Swanson, O-725816 (MIA / KIA / BR) MN Crashed February 16, 1944 at 10:35am MACR 3737 Aircraft History Built by Bell in Buffalo, New York. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as P-39N-5-BE Airacobra serial number 42-18812. Disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia and reassembled. Wartime History Assigned to the 5th Air Force, 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group, 110th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. When lost, engine V-1710-85 serial number 42-98562. Weapon makers and serial numbers not listed in Missing Air Crew Report 3737 (MACR 3737). Mission History On February 16, 1944 took off from Nadzab No. 4 (Newton Field) on a mission to drop leaflets intended for natives in the area west of Madang and Alexishafen. This aircraft was leading the second element with 2nd Lt. Jesse L. McNeill as a wingman. Weather was scattered cumulus clouds at 5,000'. After dropping the leaflets from 100', Lt. Swanson turned left towards the coast and started to descend in the vicinity of five to seven miles west of Madang and a little south of Madang Airfield in the vicinity of Ulugum plantation, while dropping pamphlets at low level from 100', this Airacobra was observed to crash into trees and exploded on impact, causing a huge fire. It is believed pamphlets blocked the air intake scoop, causing the engine to cut out or stall, then crash. The crash was observed by 2nd Lt. Jesse L. McNeill piloting another Airacobra, who circled the crash site then immediately returned to base to report the loss. Search No search was made as it was deemed completely demolished by the impact and because the incident happened in enemy territory. Recovery of Remains During late April 1944, after this area was liberated by Allied forces, this crash site was located and Swanson's remains were recovered. Memorials Swanson was officially declared dead the day of the mission. He earned the Purple Heart, posthumously. Swanson is buried at Manila American Cemetery at plot F row 16 grave 52. References American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Paul P. Swanson FindAGrave - 1Lt Paul P Swanson (tablets of the missing) PNG Museum Aircraft Status Card - P-39N Airacobra 42-18812 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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 P-39  Map February 16, 1944  MIA 1 Missing Resolved |
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