USAAF
5th AF
3rd BG
8th BS
James P. Larronde 1942
Pilot 1st Lt Robert E Cassels, O-421609
(MIA / KIA)
Gunner Sgt Loree L LeBoeuf, 6971026 (MIA / KIA)
Shot
Down July 29, 1942
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.
Relatives
Are you a relative of Cassels or LeBoeuf? Contact Us
Richard Hagman (nephew of Cassels)
Reference
Thanks to Edward Rogers and Michael Clarignbould for
additional information.
A-24
