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  P-40N Warhawk Serial Number ?  
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

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Last Updated
March 30, 2024

 

Tech Info
P-40
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