Pilot 1st Lt. George W. Ghramm, O-728635 (KIA, BR) CA
Crashed January 3, 1944
MACR none
Aircraft History
Built by Republic. Assigned to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as P-47D Thunderbolt serial number unknown. Disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia and reassembled.
Wartime History
Assigned to the 5th Air Force, 8th Fighter Group, 36th Fighter Squadron. No known nickname or markings.
Mission History
On January 3, 1944 took off from Nadzab No. 4 Airfield (APO 713, Unit 1) on a combat mission. This aircraft was seen to go into a spin at 6:15pm. Although Ghramm recovered the plane stalled entering overcast at 4,000' and was never seen again. In fact, it crashed north about 20 miles north of Lae, killing the pilot on impact. The cause of the crash was never determined.
Wreckage
After the crash, an Australian Army patrol found the wreckage and recovered the remains of the pilot from the cockpit.
Memorials
Ghramm was officially declared dead the day of the mission. His remains were recovered and transported to the United States for permanent burial. He is buried at Dexter Cemetery in Dexter, KS.
References
36th Fighter Squadron History, Frame 527
PNG Museum Aircraft Status Card - P-47 piloted by Ghram [sic]
Supporting Narrative, Thirty Sixth Fighter Squadron History, 1 January 1944 to 31 March, 1944, Inclusive, page 1 (HRA 56241)
8th Fighter Group Losses Apr 42- Jan 44 (HRA 77577)
"Jan 3/44 - George W. Ghramm, 1st Lt, 0728635, 314 N 3rd St. Arkansas City, Kan, KIA (Plane was seen to go into a spin at 1815 hrs. Pilot recovered and plane stalled entering overcast at 4000'. Plane was found burning by an Australian patrol about 20 miles N of Lae, NG. Plane was buried in ground and pilot dead in cockpit)"
FindAGrave - George W. Ghramm (grave photo)
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Last Updated
February 18, 2020
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