Aircraft History
Based at Cloncurry, this bomber staged through Horn Island for a bombing mission against Lae. Two minutes after the takeoff and crash of B-17E 41-2636 around 2:30am, this bomber also crashed into the mud flats near shore.

Wreckage
Remains of this bomber still remain on the shore, with only its propeller blades above water at high tide. At low tide, the rest of the wreck is visible.

Memorials
The three casualties were initially buried in adjoining burial sites on Thursday Island. An Australian Army Chaplain, Archie Harris, conducted the services for the three American flyers on July 15th and 16th, 1942.

In 1943 the three were reburied in the American section of the Townsville Cemetery at Belgian Gardens in Townsville. In July 1945 they were reburied in the USAF Military Cemetery at Ipswich, near Brisbane. After the war, the remains were repatriated.

Today, Budz is buried near his hometown of Housatonic, Massachesetts. The local VFW is in part named after Lt. Budz and his brother Chester, also a former veteran with the 19th BG. Houchins was returned to Coeburn, Virginia, and Rice is buried at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California. Elder is buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver.

Relatives
Ken Bledsoe (son of Elder)

References
Horn Island page 197-198
Thanks to Ken Bledsoe for additional information

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Last Updated
November 8, 2009