USAAF
5th AF
312th BG
387th BS

David Gillis 1969

Ray Fairfield 1970


Justin Taylan 2006

Aircraft History
Shipped to and assembled at the 4th Air Depot at Garbutt, Townsville. It was then delivered to the 312th Bombardment Group, 387th BS at Hollandia via Cairns, Horn Island, 7-Mile Drome to Nadzab Airfield.

Damaged on July 4, 1943 at Nadzab when A-20G 43-9391 exploded in its ravetment, and damaged ten nearby A-20's, including this aircraft that was damaged on its fin. It was repaired with the fin from A-20G 43-9092.

Served with the 387th BS flying from Gusap and Hollandia flying low-strikes against Japanese airfields including targets at Sawar, Sarmi, Utarom, and Babo.

Mission History
In late 1944 it was damaged by by Japanese anti-aircraft fire in the wing. Pilots had been instructed that, if badly damaged, they should put down at Tadji Airfield to avoid closing Hollandia which was heavily used at the time. The squadron records do not show who was flying #627 on the day it was written off, but after inspecting damage to the airframe it was 'junked' and pushed to the side of Tadji for parts.

Wreckage
This aircraft sat where the war had left it at Tadji until 1974 when it was salvaged by Australian 'Monty' Armstrong for David Tallichet's Yesterday's Air Force (MARC). Under restoration for almost 30 years by MARC. Most recently it has been transfered to the PIMA Air Museum where restoration continues.

References
Pacific Aircraft Wrecks cover, page 41

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