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Pilot 1st Lt. Robert F. Faires (survived) Navigator 2nd Lt. Edward S. King (survived) Nose Gunner SSgt H. Hart (survived) Engineer Sgt M. D. Snyder (survived) Waist Gunner Sgt. Mario J. Zito (survived) Force Landed June 25, 1945 MACR none Aircraft History Built by Consolidated at San Diego. Constructors Number 6176. At the factory, completed with an unpainted aluminum finish. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-24M-20-CO Liberator serial number 44-42240. Ferried overseas via Hickam Field then across the Pacific to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA). Wartime History During April 1945, assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 22nd Bombardment Group (22nd BG), 2nd Bombardment Squadron (2nd BS). No know nose art or nickname. The tail had a large 240 (last three digits of the serial number) atop a green rectangle. This bomber flew a total of 48 combat missions. On April 6, 1945 first combat mission. On April 30, 1945 took off piloted by 2nd Lt. Robert G. Arand on a bombing mission over Toshien Airfield on Formosa (Taiwan). Mission History On June 25, 1945 took off from Pitu Airfield (APO 719) on Morotai piloted by 1st Lt. Robert F. Faires armed with six 1,000 pound bombs on a bombing mission against Mandai Airfield on Borneo. Over the target, this B-24 made a second bomb run then was intercepted by three Ki-43 Oscars. This B-24's gunners claimed two shot down but the bomber was hit at least ten bullets and a cannon shell that failed to explode. Returning to land, the left tire was hit and flat and navigator was instructed to deliberately shot out the right tire. Skillfully, Faires managed to land safely at Pitu Airfield with two flat tires. Afterwards, this bomber was transfered to a service squadron for repair. Ultimate fate unknown, likely scrapped or otherwise disappeared. During May 1946, officially written off. References USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-24M-20-CO Liberator 44-42240 Revenge of the Red Raiders (2006) pages 431-432 (June 25, 1945), 494 (2nd BS 44-42240), 536 (photo) Thanks to Cy Klimesh for additional information Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated
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