Pilot Information
Pilot Leland A. Walker was nicknamed "Sonny". He earned the DFC for this mission and his efforts to save the crew.

Aircraft History
Assigned to the 3rd Bombardment Group on April 22, 1942. This aircraft was officially condemned on November 26, 1943.

Mission History
During a reconnaissance mission over Lae. This bomber was attacked by a Zero, which put the left engine out of action, and damaged the hydraulic system which minimized the effectiveness of the bendix turret. Returning to Port Moresby, the bomber made a crash landing of shore on Fishermans Island [crashed prior to airfield being built there].

Pilot Walker suffering bad burns in the crashed and was unable to save his gunners. One gunner died in the crash landing, another died in the hospital the same day.

Wreckage
After the crash, members of the squadron visited this wreck and removed components and guns. Today, wreckage still remains on the island, heavily scrapped includes the engines, landing gear legs and other smaller bits of the aircraft.

Justin Taylan adds:
"I visited this wreckage, although not impressive, it is a very historic aircraft wreck."

Memorials
Hammond is buried at Plot B Row 0 Grave 954 at Hawaii National Cemetery (Punchbowl).

References
Thanks to Edward Rogers and Walt Houghton for additional information

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009

B-25

September 1942 Visit by Paul Carpenter

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