USAAF
5th AF
3rd BG
8th BS
Pilot 2nd Lt Joseph C. Parker, O-429109 (WIA / KIA / MIA)
Gunner Cpl Franklyn R Hoppe, 11012172
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.
This airplane made a crash-landing in the vicinity of Ambasi. The pilot was injured in the leg, and gunner wounded in the hands. The next day, a radio report was received from Ambasi stating that four aircrew were safe and that Japanese patrols were in the vicinity. The radio went off the air suddenly. and never came back on.
Memorials
Joseph C. Parker is buried at Manila American Cemetery Plot L Row 1 Grave 95
Relatives
Are you a relative of Parker or Hoppe? Contact Us
Reference
Thanks to Edward Rogers and Michael Clarignbould for
additional information.
A-24
