|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| USMC MAW-1 MAG-11 VMSB-132  USMC December 1942    David Cram 1992 |
Pilot Captain William F. Spang (KIA, BR) MA Gunner Unknown (survived) Crashed December 1, 1942 Aircraft History Built by Douglas Aircraft Company in El Segundo. Constructors Number 1399. Delivered Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as SBD-3 Dauntless bureau number 06662. Wartime History Assigned to the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) to 1st Marine Air Wing (MAW-1), Marine Air Group 11 (MAG-11), Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 132 (VMSB-132) "Crying Red Asses". No known nickname, nose art or squadron number. Mission History On December 1, 1942 took off from Henderson Field on Guadalcanal piloted by Captain William F. Spang armed with a single 1,000 pound bomb as one of nine SBD Dauntless dive bombers led by Major Joseph Sailer, Jr. on a mission to dive bomb Japanese warships including a light cruiser and two destroyers off Guadalcanal. Returning at night, this SBD crashed while landing and Spang was killed on impact. His gunner (identity unknown) survived the crash. Afterwards, this aircraft was written off and abandoned at Henderson Field. Wreckage The wreckage of this SBD was abandoned at Henderson Field. Since the 1990s, the wreckage of this aircraft is displayed at the Betikama School (Betikama Adventist College). Until at least 1992, the U.S. Navy bureau number stencil "Navy 06662" was visible on the tail. Memorials Spang was officially declared dead the day of the mission. Afterwards, Spang was buried at the American Cemetery Guadalcanal (Guadalcanal Cemetery). Initially, his grave was a cross with "Capt. Spang" with a propeller blade with bullet holes and and spinner. Postwar, his remains were transported to the United States and permanently buried at Cold Spring Presbyterian Cemetery in Cape May, NJ. References Navy Serial Number Search Results - SBD-3 Dauntless 06662 U.S. Navy Loss List Summary Sheet - SBD-3 Dauntless 06662 NARA "Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 132 War Diary October 13, 1942 - April 30, 1943" - Page 13 (Page 13) On December first [1942]... Major Sailer led an attack group on one light cruiser and two destroyers, but was unable to make contact. Other participants in the attack group were: Capt. Spang, Lieutenants Simpson, McEniry, Skinner, Kollmoan, Kellogg, Herrick and StfSgt. Wallof. Due to lack of experience in flying SBD's at night, and no flying with one thousand (1000) pound bombs, Capt. Spang was killed in this crash, but his gunner escaped without injury." FindAGrave - William F Spang (photo, grave photos) Eyewitness account via Peter Flahavin "We rushed toward the sound. He landed on the path between the tent area and the galley. About 100 yards separates the two. He had hit a big tree at almost ground level and had spun around 180 The engine was laying to one side with just a flicker of fire. Only the fuselage remained in one piece. The pilot was a Marine Captain [Captain Bill Spang] alive, incoherent and in bad shape. The next day airfield ordinance arrived to salvage the 1,000 lb bomb that had jarred loose but didn't explode. I hadn't noticed the aerial gunner but had heard he was O.K." Thanks to Peter Flahavin for eyewitness account and historical details Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated November 27, 2024 |
 SBD  Photo Archive |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
