Mission History
One of five B-24s that took off from Yangkai Airfield at 13:05 to bomb a cement plant north of Haiphong, near Hanoi, Indochina. While on the bomb run at 12,000', the bombers were intercepted by 50+ fighters.

This bomber was hit over the target by fighters, causing an engine to be feathered an engine and flew along with the formation for a few minutes and then turned north. Most of the crew bailed out and were strafed in their parachutes, and some were never seen again.

Also lost were B-24D "Mohawk" 41-24129 and B-24D "Daisy Mae" 41-24218.

Fates of the Crew
Pilot Rutledge bailed out, but is believed to have been killed in his parachute by strafing fighters, his body was found by the Japanese shot in the head. Stomberg bailed out and broke his ankle on landing, picked up by the French and taken to the hospital at Hanoi, along with Quarant and Manella (from B-24D "Mohawk" 41-24129).

Powers bailed out and landed near Slemmons, who died of internal injuries from an improperly fitted parachute and died of his wounded at 22:00. Warren was wounded in the leg and bailed out and was slightly wounded, but was not seen again. Corbin was wounded and unconscious, but alive. Smith bailed out and was picked up by the French. Smith pulled his chute and dropped him out the bomb bay, this was the last time he was seen. Eillis parachuted out apparently unhurt, but was never seen again.

The surviving crew were held as POWs and Powers, Hawe and Smith were liberated at the end of the war, and returned to the United States.

Memorials
The following crew members are listed on the tablets of the missing at Manila American Cemetery and Warren was declared dead on January 12, 1946 . Arvid Stomberg was declared dead on May 14, 1946. Willis is buried at Plot O Row 0 Grave 125 at Honolulu Cemetery (Punchbowl).

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009