Aircraft History
This aircraft flew 14 missions prior to its loss. Engines R1830-43 Serial Numbers: BP 429118, BP 438031, BP 438107, 441229.

Mission History
Took off from Mokmer Drome on Biak at 0515 on a combat mission to Leyte arriving over the target at 1200. At 1345 the B-24 rendevoued with another bomber in the flight and proceeded on heading 124 degrees, but seporated during bad weather, and was never seen again. It made radio contact and was expected to return to Biak at approximately 1800. A distress signal was received at 1855, and nothing else was heard.

Search
When the bomber failed to return, a search was coordinated by Major Davis, following the approximate course and position of the bomber. On October 1, a search was made by two B-24s and PBY Catalina. On October 2, a search was made by two B-24s and a B-25. Neither found anything and the search area was extended and continued for another 72 hours.

Fate of the Crew
In fact, it was lost in sever weather. It had landed in a swampy area in the Sarmi area. All crew survived the forced landing, but did not survive the war. Reports indicated that Rafael and Julian survived the crash, but were captured by the Japanese and beheaded.

After the war, a Captain Ono was put on trial and found guilty and hanged for this war crime in Manila in 1946.

Remains of two unidentified bodies were recovered by RAAF Searcher Team lead by Rundle in 1947, and buried at Finschafen, were believed to be members of this aircraft.

Memorials
The crew was declared dead the day of the crash. Memorialized on the tablets of the missing at Manila American Cemetery.

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