Pacific Wrecks - B-17E "Craps For The Japs" Serial Number 41-2653

Your donation today supports the next 15 years

Main Menu

Forum

Reviews

People

MIAs

Help

B-17E "Craps For The Japs" Serial Number 41-2653

USAAF
5th AF
43rd BG
65rd BS

1943

Pilot 1st Lt Michael LaPorte, O-791123 (MIA / KIA) NY
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Howard L. Munson, O-674612 (MIA / KIA) OH
Bombardier 2nd Lt Gordon R. Spoor, O-7329189 (MIA / KIA) CA
Navigator 2nd Lt William H. Vandergrift, O-797428 (MIA / KIA) NJ
Engineer T/Sgt Idris T. Jenkins, 39090258 (MIA / KIA) CA
Radio T/Sgt Alvin B. Rowe Jr., 14038511(MIA / KIA) FL
Asst Radio / Gunner S/Sgt Orville B. Severson, 36253506 (MIA / KIA) MN
Gunner S/Sgt Robert J. Frankenberger, 32144483 (MIA / KIA) NY
Gunner S/Sgt Ture E. Lindstrom, 32258128 (MIA / KIA) NY
Gunner S/Sgt Francis W. Neville, 32502049 (MIA / KIA) NJ
MIA September 2, 1943
MACR 14147

Aircraft History
This B-17 transported General MacAurthur to 7-Mile Drome at Port Moresby on November 6, 1942 and was photographed on arrival at the airfield.

Mission History
Took off from 7-Mile Drome at Port Moresby, one of twelve attacking Cape Gloucester Airfield. Numerous Japanese fighters intercepted the formation. This bomber was lost, but there were no witnesses to the loss. The 43rd Bomb Group records states 'subject aircraft missing on a mission over Lae'.

Memorials
The entire crew was declared dead on January 14, 1946 and are memorialized on the tablets of the missing at Manila American Cemetery.

Relatives
Emanuel A. LaPorte (nephew of Michael LaPorte)

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
November 8, 2009

B-17

MIA

(Aprox)
5.27
148.25

Local Bride Receives News Death of Husband

Pacific Wrecks Incorporated is a non-profit charity 501(c)(3) Donate Now