USAAF
5th AF
3rd BG
8th BS
James P. Larronde 1942
Pilot Major Floyd W. Rogers, O-022494 (KIA) AR
Gunner Cpl Robert
E. Nichols, 11016184 (KIA) VT
Shot
Down July 29, 1942
Pilot History
Rogers was often referred to as "Buck Rogers" after the comic strip and movie serial hero made famous by "Buster" Crabbe. He was the C.O. 3rd BG / 8th BS. Earned the Silver Star for missions to Lae (April 7-13), Air Medal and Purpule Heart posthumously. Nichols earned the Air Medal and Purple Heart posthumously.
Aircraft History
A-24 Dive Bomber. The US Army's version of the USN's SBD Dauntless.
Mission History
Eight 3rd BG A-24's that took off from 7-Mile Drome near Port Moresby. Escorted by 35th FG 41st FS P-39 flying top cover, and 8th FG, 80th FS flying close escort. One A-24 aborted the mission, and seven proceeded to bomb Japanese transports 20 miles north of Gona, 1 1/4 miles form shore. The convoy was being protected by A6M2 Zeros of the Tainan Kokutai which attack the A-24 as they start their dives.
The A-24s dive-bomb in two waves. The first wave: A-24 41-15797 (shot down), A-24 piloted by Hill (heavily damaged and force lands at Fall River) and A-24 piloted by Raymond Wilkins (the only aircraft to return to 7-Mile). The second wave: A-24 41-15819, A-24 41-15766, A-24 piloted by Cassels and A-24 piloted by Parker all four were shot down. The Kotoku Maru, was hit once at the No. 5 hatch by the second wave, forcing its troops to unload and leave its cargo undelivered. The Japanese ships all return to Lae.
This A-24 went down after being hit by tracer fire and several 20mm hits from attacking Tainan Kokutai A6M2 Zeros, causing the plane to catch fire and crash into the ocean.
Memorials
The airfield at 30-Mile outside
Port Moresby was named "Rogers Field" in the pilot's honor after his death on this mission. Roger's was credited with bombing the Kotoku Maru at the No. 5 hatch, but this claim was likely for the A-24s in the second wave.
Both crew are listed on Tablets of the Missing at Manila Cemetery, P.I.
Relatives
Are you a relative of Rogers or Nichols? Contact Us
Reference
Thanks to Edward Rogers and Larry Hickey / IR&P for
additional information. Phillip Fazzini for crew ASN.
A-24
