Pilot  Richard A. Adams O-791662
Co-Pilot  1st Lt John H. Heathe, O-792591 (slight wounds)
Navigator  1st Lt Glenn E. Nations, O-733457 (slight wounds)
Bombardier  1st Lt Fred H. Blaney, O-372647 (slight wounds)
Engineer  T/Sgt Joseph H. Hatcher, 18063393 (fractured ankle)
Radio  T/Sgt Lawson M. Johnson, 38156098 (slight wounds)
Gunner  S/Sgt William D. Ball, 6877719 (KIA) NY
Gunner  S/Sgt Lewis B. Butt, 12132516 (KIA) PA
Gunner  S/Sgt Philip J. LaGarde, Jr., 14053760 (KIA) LA
Gunner  S/Sgt Mitchell E. Balut, 6896544 (KIA) PA
Crashed  December 1, 1943
MACR  13824

Mission History
Took off from Port Moresby, one of six B-24s on a mission against Wewak. Over the target, this bomber met intense antiaircraft fire that disabled the #3 engine, but was able to remain in formation. When the lead bomber's bomb site malfunctioned, this B-24's bombardier, Blaney led the bombing with the others dropping on his command.

Immediately after dropping their bombs, enemy fighters attacked and more anti-aircraft fire set the #4 engine on fire. This blaze was extinguished, and the crew jettisoned everything possible.

The B-24 attempted to ditch 20 miles north-east of Finschafen. Another reference states the bomber ditched between Long Island and New Guinea coast and was observed to cartwheel as it hit the water.

Heathe was knocked unconscious in the crash and found floating in the water. Those in the flight deck area survived. Those in the waist and tail died in the crash. The survivors had minor wounds and used two life rafts. Another B-24 in the formation piloted by Robeck witnessed the crash and dropped all the survival gear aboard and circled until they were low on fuel. The survivors were rescued the following day by PT- Boats from Finschafen PT Boat base, escorted by fighters.

A total of three B-24s were lost this mission. This aircraft also B-24D "Ten Knights in a Bar Room" 42-72806 and B-24D "Pudgy" Serial Number 42-40830.

Memorials
The KIA crew members are memorialized on the tablets of the missing at Manila American Cemetery.

References
Legacy of the 90th Bombardment Group page 89, 91

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