Pilot 2nd Lt William B. Cox, O-523742
Co-Pilot 1st Lt Robert F.
Violet, O-659612
Bombardier 2nd Lt Fred H. Verhein Jr., O-738949
Navigator 2nd Lt Patrick J. Byrnes Jr., O-674140
Crew F/O Gerard M. Keogh, 266551 (RAAF)
Crew F/O Fred L. Evans T-60667
Crew T/Sgt Jacob M. Kesler 35356999
Crew T/Sgt Richard D. Marsh 32405881
Crew S/Sgt George A. Kiferd 13089529
Crew S/Sgt Harold E. Kuhn 12016263
Crew S/Sgt Stanley Marczak 16066245
Crew Pvt James A. Franklin 18064953
Crashed August 31, 1943
Aircraft History
Constructors Number 2165.
Mission History
This aircraft crashed shortly after take off, at an altitude of about 4,000'. It hit a 200'-300' cliff, burnt on impact, and some of the bombs exploded, the wreckage being scattered over a wide area.
Attempts to Recover Remains
Attempts were made to recover the remains from this crash site in 1943 and 1945, but
it was deemed too difficult, due to the rough cliff face, and presence
of unexploded bombs at the crash site.
Wreckage Today
Located on a slope inside the Varirata National Park, near Sogeri to the north of Port Moresby
Justin Taylan visited the site in
July 2003:
"John Douglas took me to this wreck. Its scattered down a difficult cliff face, down a hillside. Wreckage
areas include
the
wing, and
main
gear
and an engine. Lower, a section of fuselage wreckage
including the sperry ball turret and two other engines. Then,
one of the powered turrets, and finally,
the other wing section. There are reports of wreckage pieces,
including a propeller and tail pieces closer to one of the Varirata's walking
Trails."
References
Legacy of the 90th Bombardment Group page 110
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