USAAF
5th AF
43rd BG
65th BS

Previous Units:
11th BG

Pilot Robert K Freeman, O-25072
Crew  2nd Lt Harry L Moy
Co-Pilot  2nd Lt Clinton L. Smith, O-726838 (Chesterhill, OH) (KIA)
Crew  S/Sgt Richard M Cullisun, 6940977
Crew  S/Sgt James M Iverson, 6146915
Crew  Sgt Wilbert H Grogan, 6971925
Crew  Cpl Saul Berstein
Crew  Cpl Morris McFarland
Crew  Cpt Robert F Wright
Crashed December 2, 1942

Aircraft History
This B-17 also served with 11th BG.

Mission History
Returning from a combat mission (to Buna/Gona?), crashed into hill near 7-Mile Drome.

Hassemer, Operations Officer 43rd Bomb Group:
"[This B-17] went into a steep wing level glide while turning on finals and crashed into a hill between Wards Drome and Jacksons Drome. Angle of crash was estimated to be about 35 degrees down. Crash was so abrupt that concentrated debris: didn't shay much evidence of the cause."

Wreckage
Wreckage of this bomber was present into the late 1980's.

Bruce Hoy reports:
"On a hill behind the wildlife farm at Moitaka was the remains of this B-17, with just the wing spars and engines plus smaller items.  With squatters now nearby, perhaps nothing remains."

Relatives
David Smith (great-nephew of Clinton Smith)
"Smith was born January 28, 1920 Chesterhill, Morgan County, Ohio."

Contribute Information

B-17

Smith KIA
12-17-42