Aircraft History
Delivered on February 19, 1944 and initially assigned to the 417th Bombardment Group. Later, transferred to the 312th Bombardment Group, 387th Bombardment Squadron on March 20, 1944. Nicknamed "Short Stuff" with crew chief Haggart.

On July 4, 1944, this A-20 was damaged on the ground at Nadzab Airfield during an accidental flight line explosion.

Mission History
Took off from Hollandia Airfield at roughly 7:30am on a mission against Utarom by 24 aircraft from the 387th BS and 388th BS. Over the target, the A-20s bombed, strafed barges and three dropped leaflet around Cape Bitsjaroe, southwest of Utarom. The organization of the mission broke down and A-20s attacked targets individually.

Klein led the squadron's second flight, an attack against barges off Utarom Airfield. The left elevator was damaged by anti-aircraft fire, but he managed to climb to 5,000' and fly for 30 minutes to Geelvink Bay, escorted by A-20 piloted by Pool. Gunner Szymanski was not wounded in the attack.

Fates of the Crew & Rescue
Seeing a US Navy PBY Catalina circling over Geelvink Bay near Roon Island, Klein successfully ditched and searched for his gunner. He noted heavy damage to the tail of the A-20 "maybe two or three hundred rounds had hit it." As the plane began to sink, he heard Szymanski moan loudly, but he was unable to help him, as the A-20 quickly sank.

Unable to inflate his life raft, Klein treaded water for 30 minutes, until he was spotted by Pool's A-20 that guided the PBY Catalina to the site and rescued him. They continued to search for Szymanski without result then departed for Noemfoor Island. Later Klein was flown by C-47 back to Hollandia.

Later, Klein wrote in his escape and evasion report:
"I then looked over to the left of the shore and saw a line of smoke and guns firing. This line was about 100 yards. From the setup, I now believe that this barge was a decoy."

Memorials
Szymanski is memorialized on the tablets of the missing at Manila American Cemetery.

References
Rampage of the Roarin' 20's pages 158-159, 349, 358

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
October 1, 2009