|
 |
|
|
| 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 348th FG 342nd FS  USAAF c1943 |
Pilot 1st Lt George O. Burgess, O-665520 (survived) Flint, MI Crashed October 22, 1943 at 12:30 MACR 14287 Aircraft History Built by Republic at Farmingdale, NY. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as P-47D-2-RE Thunderbolt serial number 42-8121. Disassembled ans shipped overseas to Australia and reassembled. Wartime History Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 348th Fighter Group (348th FG), 342nd Fighter Squadron (342nd FS) "Scourgers". Nicknamed "Sunshine". When lost, engine P&W R2800-21 serial number 42-123218. Armed with eight .50 caliber machine guns makers and serial numbers not listed in Missing Air Crew Report 14287 (MACR 14287). After the loss of this aircraft, at least two other Thunderbolts were nicknamed "Sunshine" including P-47D "Sunshine II" serial number unknown, ultimate fate unknown and P-47D "Sunshine III" 42-22532 ultimate fate unknown. Mission History On October 22, 1943 at 8:40am took off from Tsili Tsili Airfield piloted by 1st Lt George O. Burgess on a mission to escort B-25 Mitchells over Wewak. The weather was heavy cloud cover and overcast at 10,000' enroute with heavy storms over the target area. At 10:15am the formation arrived over Wewak at 20,000'. His flight spotted three Ki-61 Tonys flying at lower altitude and dove to intercept. During the air combat, this plane became lost. At 10:20am this plane was last seen at 10:20am by flight leader Captain William D. Dunham during the dog fight at 17,00' off southwest coast of Kairiru Island. Departing the area, Burgess spotted P-47D Thunderbolt 42-22497 pilot 1st Lt. Wynans E. Frankfort over Wewak and flew back towards base, Returning, they picked up P-47D 42-8117 piloted by 1st Lt. Harold Jacoby. Together, the trio flew on a course towards Bena Bena but due to heavy clouds became lost and found themselves over the Fly River. Flying at 1,500', the Frankfort and Jacoby believed they could reach Bulldog Airfield and departed up the Fly River. Alone, Burgess followed the Fly River to the mouth on the south coast of New Guinea. Out of fuel, Burgess bailed out and landed safely. Also lost was P-47D Thunderbolt 42-8117 pilot 1st Lt. Harold Jacoby (MIA) and and P-47D Thunderbolt 42-22497 pilot 1st Lt. Wynans E. Frankfort (rescued). Search After the mission, P-47s from 342nd Fighter Squadron (342nd FS) searched the Ramu Valley, Markham Valley, Yule Island and Fly River area for four days. Also, a Catalina also searched unsuccessfully. Fate of the Pilot In fact, Burgess landed unhurt and was immediately picked up by friendly natives. Over the next two days, he was guided to an Australian Army patrol that took him to the ANGAU station at Kikori. Rescue On October 27, 1943, OA-10 Catalina 43-3263 landed at Kikori and rescued Burgess. On the return flight, searched the Bulldog area then returned to Port Moresby. Afterwards, he returned to his squadron without any hospitalization required. Memorials Burgess passed away on July 15, 1971. He is buried at Crestwood Memorial Cemetery in Grand Blanc, MI. Relatives Peter D. Mercy (nephew of Burgess) "As the family story goes after George bailed out over the Fly River he was approached by a group of natives while hanging from a tree in his parachute all he could think of to say was ugga-bugga Luckly the natives were friendly and chanted Ugga-Bugga for days as they transported him in the dug out canoe. Uncle George's son was named Kearby Burgess in honor of Neel Kearby medal of honor and my Uncle's squadron commander. My cousin Kearby was severely wounded as a Marine in Vietnam." References NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - George O. Burgess USAF Serial Number Search Results - P-47D-2-RE Thunderbolt 42-8121 Missing Air Crew Report 14287 (MACR 14287) created retroactively June 19, 1944 Missing Air Crew Report 6606 (MACR 6606) page 7 mentions rescue of Burgess PNG Museum Aircraft Status Card - P-47 Thunderbolt 42-8121 FindAGrave - George Oliver Burgess (Crestwood Memorial Cemetery) Thanks to Peter D. Mercy for additional information Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated
|
 P-47  Map Oct 22, 1943 |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
