Background
Jack W. Bleasdale was born November 4, 1914 to parents Dr. John Walter Bleasdale and Eunice Marguorite Moore in Denver, Colorado.
Bleasdale enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC). He earned his wings and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant with serial number O-022328. He married Ellaoise Palm of San Antonio, Texas. On June 20, 1941 became part of the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF). During 1941, assigned to the 7th Bombardment Group (7th BG), 22nd Bombardment Squadron (22nd BS) as a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot.
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Wartime History
During January 1942 took off piloting B-17E 41-2464 on a ferry flight from MacDill Field via the African route bound for the Netherlands East Indies (NEI). On January 21, 1942 took off on the last leg of the flight to Malang Airfield on eastern Java. On January 21, 1942 took off on the last leg of the flight to Malang Airfield (Singosari) on eastern Java and participated in the Java campaign.
On January 28, 1942 took off piloting B-17E 41-2464 as one of five B-17s on a bombing mission against Singapore.
On January 31, 1942 switched bombers and took off piloting B-17E "El Toro" 41-2461 on a bombing mission over Balikpapan on southeast Borneo. Over the target, this B-17 was shot up by four A6M2 Zeros wounding two of the crew: Shipley and Sgt John A. Potters who died later that day.
On February 3, 1942 at 9:30am took off from Djogjakarta Airfield (Yogyakarta) piloting B-17E 41-2464 as one of nine B-17s on a bombing mission against
enemy shipping off Balikpapan on southeast Borneo. Flying in three plane elements at 30,000' the formation encountered bad weather and bombing results were unknown. Returning, the formation was intercepted by Japanese fighters. Aboard this bomber, Pfc Arthur T. Lowry had oxygen trouble and passed out and died. Another crew member who went to his aid also passed out. This bomber was unable to descend to a lower altitude without leaving the protection of the formation.
On August 3, 1942 took off from from Daly Waters Airfield piloting B-17E "Chief Seattle" 41-2656 on a flight to Fenton Field.
Mission History
On January 5, 1943 took off from 7 Mile Drome near Port Moresby as an observer aboard B-17F "San Antonio Rose" 41-24458 with Brigadier General Kenneth N. Walker Commanding Officer (C. O.) 5th Bomber Command aboard leading "Mission 4L" against Rabaul. The formation
included six B-17 Flying Fortresses from the 64th Bombardment Squadron (64th BS) plus six B-24 Liberators from the 90th Bombardment Group (90th BG). The specific targets were Japanese shipping in Blanche Bay, Simpson Harbor and Lakunai Airfield near Rabaul.
Around noon, the B-17 formation at 8,500' arrived over the target area and bombed Japanese shipping in Blanche Bay anchored between Lesson Point to Kokopo then proceeded over Simpson Harbor. This B-17 was last seen over the target area, east of Vunakanau Airfield at 5,000' pursued "closely pursued by four (4) to five (5) Zeros." [sic Ki-43-I Oscars from 11th Hiko Sentai] Left outboard engine [no. 1 engine] temporarily smoking." When this B-17 failed to return the entire crew was officially declared Missing In Action (MIA).
Fate
In fact, Bleasdale managed to bail out in the jungle an mountains to the north of Tol on southern New Britain.
During the middle or late January 1943 Bleasdale and Daniel were captured at Tol and became Prisoners Of War (POW) and were transported to Rabaul. In captivity, Bleasdale and Daniel were interrogated during February 1943 and March 1943. Both were likely tortured and forced to answer questions under duress.
According to an article in Nippon News, on February 26, 1943 Bleasdale was interrogated at Rabaul. Details about his interrogation were later reported in Nippon Times mentioning him as "Major X X" and include information on his military service and opinions of the B-17 Flying Fortress.
Sometime between March 1943 and no later than July 1943, Bleasdale and Daniel were likely executed or died in captivity. They were likely buried in an isolated burial or mass grave in the Rabaul area. In late July 1943, the two prisoners were mentioned
in documents supposedly signed by Bleasdale that were shown to American POWs including 2nd Lt. Jose L. Holguin. Bleasdale remains listed as Missing In Action (MIA).
Memorials
Bleasdale was likely executed in March 1943. He was officially declared dead on December 12, 1945. Bleasdale earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and Purple Heart, posthumously. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, posthumously. Bleasdale is memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing.
References
Missing Air Crew Report 15359 (MACR 15359) was created retroactively on June 9, 1945
NARA World War II Prisoners of War Data File - Jack W. Bleasdale
Nippon Times "U.S. 'Flying Fortress' Is Claimed Mediocre; Unbeatable Bomber Nothing But 'Sitting Bird'" January 19, 1944 0 via R. Dunn - includes reference in the sub-section "played minor role" and "Lost in Jungle" refer to Major X X" [Bleasdale] including a summation of his wartime service and capture.
ATIS Intelligence Report No. 14 - Supplement Interrogation Report on AMERICAN airman, Feb 26 1943 via R. Dunn describes capture of Major [Bleasdale] and interrogation
2nd Lt. Jose Holguin Rabaul Prisoner of War
"They said it was no use trying to lie; that they knew General Walker was dead and Major Beasdale captured"
Prisoners from B-17F "San Antonio Rose" 41-24458
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Jack W. Bleasdale
FindAGrave - LtCol Jack Walter Bleasdale (photo, tablets of the missing photo)
