Aircraft History
Initially assigned to the 417th Bombardment Group. Assigned to the 312th Bombardment Group, 387th Bombardment Squadron on March 20, 1944 with an unknown tail letter. Engines R-2600-23 Serial Numbers (right) 43-103633 (left) 43-103610.

Mission History
Took off from Gusap Airfield on mission against Hollandia. Returning from the mission, this A-20 was observed to fall back from the formation, experiencing trouble with both engines, possibly fuel problems. Another A-20 piloted by Lt. Glen D. Benskin flew to accompany it, and observed no obvious combat damage, only puffs of vapor from the engines, possibly from Freeman trying to switch the fuel selctors.

Unexpectedly, the A-20 nosed over and crash into the jungle, near the Clay River, short of a clearing and explode.

Crashed approximately 1330, at a location 175 miles from Gusap, Ruin Mountain area. Last seen by 1st Lt. Glen D. Benskin, who observed the crash, and saw no signs of life afterwards. Benskin noted: "After the ship hit I couldn't even find broken treetops, the aircraft simply disappeared without a trace." Later, two RAAF Boomerangs searched for this crash afterwards, without results.

Wreckage
Discovered by Australian Patrol officer in 1967, including bone fragments and the dog tag of Ralph McKendrick. At the time, the serial number of the aircraft, or type of aircraft was not identified.

Remains were recovered on November 12, 1967 by a US Army team.

References
Thanks to Bruce Hoy and Brian Bennett for additional information
Letter Embassy of the United States 6 June 1967 "Possible remains of Army Air Corps World War II crew member Ralph A. McKendrick, 12198868".
Rampage of the Roarin' 20's pages 93-94, 348, 358

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009

A-20

MIA
(Resolved)