USAAF
3rd BG
8th BS
1942
Pilot 2nd Lt John M. Hill (survived)
Gunner Sgt
Ralph Sam, 19013232 (WIA/DOW) UT
Mission July 29, 1942
Aircraft History
A-24 Dive Bomber. The US Army's version of the USN's SBD Dauntless.
Crew History
Ralph Sam was from the Piaute tribe (American Indian). All 8th BS pilots and gunners who participated in the bombing missions against Lae (April 7-13) received the Silver Star. He was the only member of the July 29, 1942 mission to be awarded a medal in addition to his purple heart posthumously, an Oak Leaf Cluster to his Silver Star. He is buried at Plot E Row O Grave 896 Honolulu Memorial/Honolulu Hawaii.
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-24w 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 (damaged and gunner badly wounded) 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.
After gunner Sam's hand was hit, he kept firing his rear gun then his 45 pistol with the other hand against attacking fighters. The A-24 also sustained damage to its tail.
Hill diverted to Fall River Aerodrome, the nearest Allied airstrip to get immediate medical help for Ralph Sam. After landing, his tail wheel was repaired, and Hill flew to 7-Mile Drome the following day. Ralph Sam was severely injured and later died from his wounds on August 2.
Relatives
Are you a relative of John Hill? He had two sons that entered the US military. Are you a relative of Ralph Sam Contact Us
Reference
Thanks to Edward Rogers, Larry Hickey / IR&P and John Douglas for information.
A-24
