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Pilot Capt Alexander Rae Berry (POW, executed March 15, 1944) Gunner Cephus Kelly (POW survived) Crashed March 3, 1943 Mission History Fates of the Crew Kelly was described in Joe Nason's Horio You Die Next appearing to be near death. Kelly departed Rabaul with a group of prisoners on November 13, 194 and was sent to Japan. He survived the war, and passed away in 1984. Following the bombing of Rabaul, Berry was executed at Talili Bay around March 15, 1944. He is buried at the in a group burial 21 Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery St. Louis, MO. Father James Benson writes in Prisoner's Base And Home Again: It was ten days before I had a chance to whisper to Berry. He was in considerable pain. 'Beat up every day' he whispered; 'hung up by the feet. They want information.' 'Can't you give them false information?' I asked, 'Wont' do. They spot it. Then it's worse.' Surely I thought there was no greater courage than this; the courage of men who, having faced the perils and dangers of combat in the air, must now suffer this inhuman torture. A few words would ease them of this daily pain, but they never spoke. And theirs was an ordeal that went on and on. When I left the prison in late June they had been tortured almost every day. Berry was standing up to it magnificently. But poor young Kelly was nearing the end of hi tether, but he too was holding out. I repeat that surely such persistent, continual courage is fare greater than that of the bravest soldier in action." References Contribute
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