USAAF
5th AF
43rd BG
63rd BS

Brian Bennett 2004

Pilot  1st Lt Lewis A. Anderson, O-416252 (MIA/KIA)
Co-Pilot  2nd Lt William K. Fox, O-660475 (MIA/KIA)
Crew  2nd Lt Robert W. Schleh, O-735205 (MIA/KIA)
Crew  Sgt Joseph J. Conde, 15016544 (MIA/KIA)
Crew  S/Sgt Archibald B. Hodge, 7006759 (MIA/KIA)
Crew  S/Sgt Vernon R. Kaylor, 14053672 (MIA/KIA)
Crew  Sgt Richard M. Keeley, 35258646 (MIA/KIA)
Crew  M/Sgt Milton Kelkey, 6995318 (MIA/KIA)
Crew  T/Sgt Albert C. Nies, 6943388 (MIA/KIA)
Crashed December 4, 1942 at 0042 hours
MACR 15685

Mission History
This aircraft departed 7-Mile Drome with eight other B-17s to bomb a Japanese cruiser reported in the vicinity of Buna. The cruiser was not sighted. The formation then proceeded to bomb the secondary target which was Lae, but it was clouded in, with poor visibility and thunderstorms. While trying to skirt a severe storm 5 miles off Finschhafen a light was seen to signal "S.O..." and about 30 seconds later, directly ahead, a reddish yellow explosion was seen."

Recovery of Remains
Aircraft was located by Australians in 1946, southwest of Finschhafen. A RAAF searcher team located the crash site. From a watch at the site, the time of crash was determined.

The remains of five individuals (Kelkey, Fox and three unknown others). were recovered and buried at the USAF Cemetery Finschaffen #5. The remains were later exhumed and interred at Zackary Taylor National Cemetery, Kentucky were the crew is buried as a group. Thanks to Ted Darcy for this information.

US records contradict if this case is fully resolved. The site was revisited by JPAC in March 2004, and recommended to be reopened.

References
Pride of Seattle page 8
43rd BG History frame 425

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