Pilot  1st Lt John B. Willcoxon, O-662616 (MIA) KS
Co-Pilot  2nd Lt Thomas M. Magness, O-662580 (KIA/BR) CA
Bombardier  1st Lt George T. Maher, O-662286, (MIA)
Navigator  1st Lt Irving Adler(ki), O-728327 (MIA)
Engineer  T/Sgt Howard V. McCalmont, 13038453 (KIA)
Radio  S/Sgt John F. Dowd, 32304354 (MIA)
Gunner  S/Sgt George J. Smith, 6981162 (KIA)
Gunner  Sgt Eugene V. Turner, 35329671 (KIA/BR) OH
Gunner  Sgt John P. Zalic, 13012011 (KIA/BR) PA
Gunner  Pfc M. D. Turrentine (survived)
Photographer  Cpl Edwin B. McNaughton Jr., 130112491 (KIA/BR) PA
Photographer  Carl Thusgaard, Acme News pictures (KIA)
Shot Down  July 20, 1943

Mission History
After bombing the Madang area, this B-24 was intercepted by Japanese fighters. Attacked by five Ki-61 Tonys of the 68th Sentai (reported as 'Zeros') near Bena Bena. Shot down by K-61 Tony piloted by Captain Shogo Takeuchi, the Sentai's first victory.

The B-24 exploded mid-air. Australian soldiers on the ground rushed to the crash site and located the bodies of six of the crew, and found one still alive (Turrentine).

Extract from press release:
"After having successfully bombed its objective near Madang, this aircraft was attacked by nine Zeros, two of which were shot down and a third probably destroyed. The B-24 then exploded in the air and crashed in full view of Australian ground forces. Six of the crew were found dead in the wreckage and one as found alive, having been thrown clear, and four were listed as missing in action."

Wreckage
US Army CILHI reports the wreckage as near Taru, Keefu, Okapa Valley at 2,000'. Three missing near plane: the pilot, co-pilot and war correspondent Carl Thusgaard of Acme news service.

Memorials
The entire crew is memorialized on the tablets of the missing at Manila American Cemetery. Four of the crew is buried there: Magness is buried at Plot C Row 12 Grave 68. Turner is buried at Plot A Row 12 Grave 201. Zalic is buried at Plot L Row 5 Grave 94. McNaughton is buried at Plot D Row 4 Grave 143.

Liberty ship SS Carl Thusgaard was named in honor of Thusgaard.

References
The Jolly Rogers, page 94, 196
Japanese Army Air Force Aces 1937 - 1945 page 62

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