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USAAF 5th AF 49th FG HQ Squadron |
Pilot 1st Lt. Joseph W. Todd (KIA, BR) TN Crashed June 7, 1944 MACR none Aircraft History Built by Curtiss in Buffalo, New York. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as P-40N Warhawk serial number unknown. Disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia and reassembled. Wartime History Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 49th Fighter Group (49th FG), Headquarters Squadron. No known nose art or nickname. On June 6, 1944 took off from Hollandia on a flight to Tadji Airfield to identify the remains of Captain Russell C. Cash who was Killed In Action (KIA) piloting P-40N Warhawk 42-105738 on March 22, 1944. Afterwards, his crash site and remains were found and recovered near Aitape by the U.S. Army. Mission History On June 7, 1944 took off from Tadji Airfield piloted by Lt. Joseph W. Todd on a flight bound for Hollandia. After take off, the engine seized and this aircraft hit trees and crashed, killing the pilot. Recovery of Remains After the crash, the pilot's body was recovered and transported to Hollandia for burial. Postwar, his remains were transported to the United States for permanent burial. Wreckage Wreckage of a P-40 with US markings in a sago swamp at the west side of Aitape is presumed to be this aircraft. The wing and engine are present, with other pieces of smaller wreckage. Two .50 caliber machine guns are displayed at the nearby village. Memorials Postwar, Todd was buried at Green Hill Cemetery in Etowah, TN with both a grave stone and a memorial marker. References Protect & Avenge: The 49th Fighter Group in WWII pages 220 (map). 258-259 FindAGrave - Joseph William Todd grave lists date of death June 6, 1944 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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