Pilot 2nd Lt. Gus Kitchens, O-429957 Purcell, (KIA) OK
Gunner Sgt. George F. Kehoe, 18007854 (KIA) TX
Shot
Down April 11, 1942
Pilot History
Kitchens was a prewar All-American Oklahoma University football player. Lost on his second combat mission. Both crew members were awarded the silver star and purple heart.
Aircraft History
A-24 Dive Bomber. The US Army's version of the USN's SBD Dauntless.
Mission
History
Shot down and crashed north of Lae. The crew presumably died in the crash, and their bodies were recovered when the Lae area was liberated by Allied forces.
Wreckage
Located in 1976 when an new logging road rediscovered the wreck. Most of the wreckage was scrapped over the years. Today, the engine and pieces of wreckage remains.
Memorials
Kitchens is buried at
Hillsdale Cemetery, OK in Purcell, Oklahoma
Kehoe is buried at Manila American Cemetery Plot D Row 6 Grave 17
Relatives
Roger D. McClure (cousin) adds:
"I just recently discovered this website and have found a picture of my first cousin 2nd lt. Gus Kitchens, KIA piloting A-24 41-15773. There are four first cousins left."
References
Thanks to Edward Rogers for historical details.
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Information
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Last Updated
October 1, 2009
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