USAAF
5th AF
19th BG
93rd BS
Justin Taylan 2006
Pilot Captain Harry J. Hawthorne, O-385412
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt. Paul J. Scarboro, O-416355
Navigator 2nd Lt. Warren E. Bryant, O-659869
Bombardier 2nd Lt. Robert J. Haase, O-434591
Engineer S/Sgt Milton P. Kelm, 6569806
Radio Pfc Arnold G. Osborne, 37009844
Gunner Cpl Walter L. Buchanan, 33075730
Gunner Michael R. Andrade, 12029739
Force landing August 9, 1942
Mission History
Took off on a bombing mission against Lakunai Airfield, near Rabaul. On the return flight, this B-17 had difficulty locating Port Moresby due toa radio compass failure. Lost for 3.5 hours, then made a force landing on the beach at Malapla Island at the southern tip of New Guinea.
Wreckage
Located in the China Strait between New Guinea and Samarai Island on the reef.
Display
The top turret frame from this aircraft was recovered by Brian Bennett and is on display
at the Kokopo Museum.
B-17
