USAAF
13th AF
868th BS
1944
Shane Elliott 2008 |
Pilot 2nd Lt. Robert A. Robbins, O-679120 (MIA/KIA)
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt. Lawrence R. Purvis, Jr., O-684772 (MIA/KIA)
Navigator 2nd Lt. John A. Grant, O-685594 (MIA/KIA)
Bombardier 2nd Lt. Lionel A. Wolpin, O-679270 (MIA/KIA)
Engineer S/Sgt Lynn C. Warner, 32491528 (MIA/KIA)
Asst Engineer S/Sgt Jacob B. Clemmer, 14134750 (MIA/KIA)
Radio S/Sgt James M. McNutt, 39844564 (MIA/KIA)
Radar S/Sgt Dominick A. Moccia, 32466190 (MIA/KIA)
Gunner Sgt George D. Charette, 31163876 (MIA/KIA)
Gunner S/Sgt Samuel Morrell, 13031083 (MIA/KIA)
Weather Observer Major Samuel Conway, O-090035 (MIA/KIA)
Crashed April 1, 1944
MACR 4102
Aircraft History
This bomber was a B-24D Liberator, SB-24 radar equipped. Engines R-1830-43 1) CP-303540 2) CP-303731 3) CP-803839 4) CP-303809.
Assigned to the 868th BS "Snooper Squadron", directly under the command of 13th Bomber Command. Adorned with nose art "Sergeant Stripes... Forever!".
Mission History
Took off from Munda Airfield (presumed, but take off location is not listed in MACR). Last sighted near Rendova at 0055L. Reportedly, observed to crash and explode into Rendova at 0055L, visible 160 degrees from Munda Airfield, two miles inland about two-thirds of the way up the ridge. The cause was undetermined.
Wreckage
A search by twenty men from the US Army 369th Infantry, departed for the site at 1300L on the day of the crash. Company "S" of the 369th initiated a search at 2200L. The crash was found the following day at 1100L.
Recovery of Remains
The remains of the eleven crew were buried and marked by Graves Registration. Later, the remains were exhumed for final burial.
Four of the crew are buried at Manila American Cemetery Moccia, Charette, Clemmer and Grant. The others are presumed to be buried in their hometowns.
Relatives
Robert J. Robbins (son of pilot Robbins)
"My father, Robert A. Robbins, was the pilot of the plane."
References
MACR 4102
Thanks to Shane Elliott for additional information.
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Last Updated
October 1, 2009
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