Aircraft History
A-24 Dive Bomber. The US Army's version of the USN's SBD Dauntless.

Pilot History
Swartz was flying his first combat mission when lost.

Mission History
Nine A-24's of the 3rd BG took off from 7-Mile Drome near Port Moresby to bomb Lae. The A-24's were escorted by six P-40Es of RAAF 75 Squadron. The A-24s were led by 1st Lt. Robert G. Ruegg as C. O. Floyd "Buck" Rogers was out with dengue.

This A-24 was last seen diving on an anti-aircraft position. While no one apparently saw him being shot down it seems almost certain that he was brought down by patrolling A6M2 Zeros.

Memorials
Swartz was declared dead on December 17, 1945 and Stephenson on November 19, 1945. Both are memorialized on the tablets of the missing at Manila American Cemetery.

Relatives
Are you a relative of Swartz or Stephenson? Contact Us

Reference
Thanks to Edward Rogers for additional information.

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009