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| USAAF 5th AF 49th FG 7th FS |
Pilot 2nd Lt. William H. Payne, Jr. (KIA, BR) OH Crashed June 10, 1942 MACR none Aircraft History Built by Curtiss in Buffalo, New York. Curtiss-Wright Number 577. Constructors Number 16549. On December 27, 1941 delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as P-40E Warhawk serial number 41-5557. On December 30, 1941 assigned to "Project X" then disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia arriving January 30, 1942 and reassembled. Wartime History Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 49th Fighter Group (49th FG) "Fighting 49ers", 7th Fighter Squadron (7th FS) "Screamin' Demons". No known nickname or nose art. Mission History On June 10, 1942 took off piloted by 2nd Lt. William H. Payne on a mission to test oxygen equipment. While flying at an altitude of 10,000', it is believed the oxygen system failed causing Payne to blackout and crash at Brock's Creek roughly 20 miles south of Adelaide River. On impact, this P-40 exploded on impact killing the pilot. Wreckage After the crash, little wreckage remained aside from an impact crater. Recovery of Remains The remains of the pilot were recovered and initially buried at Adelaide River War Cemetery. Postwar, his remains were transported to Hawaii for permanent burial. Memorials Payne was officially declared dead the day of the mission. Postwar, buried at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) at plot P, grave 552. During June 1942, Payne Field at Adelaide River was named in his honor. References Other sources list the crash location as Hayes Creek in error. NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - William H. Payne, Jr. FindAGrave - Lieut William Henry Payne, Jr (grave photo) Protect & Avenge (1995) pages 50 (map), 56 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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