Pilot  Major Ralph Cheli (C. O. 405th BS) O-399830 (POW, executed)
Co-Pilot  F/O Don M. Yancey, T-186492 (MIA)
Navigator  1st Lt Vincent A. Raney, O-437474 (MIA)
Radio  T/Sgt Raymond C/ Warren, 15088088 (POW / MIA)
Gunner  S/Sgt Clinton H Murphree, 6282173 (POW - MIA)
Observer  Captain John Holtham Hamon Massie NX42188, AIF (MIA)
Crashed  August 18, 1943 at approximately 0915
MACR  16528

Mission History
The Call Sign for this aircraft was KF24A. One of nine 405BS B-25s that took off at 0630 to attack Wewak area and Dagua AIrfield during one of the first low level strafer raids against that target. His by enemy fighters, causing a fire. Despite this damage, Cheli continued to lead the formation to the target, afterwards ditching into the ocean off shore for the target.

Statement from Capt Okada Takakazu:
"Aircraft forced down on water near East But Aerodrome [Dagua] about 2 km out from the shore and opposite Dagua air strip. Plane blew up and sank."

Fates of the Crew
Cheli earned the Medal of Honor for this mission. Cheli and several other members of the crew survived the crash and were taken prisoner by the Japanese at Wewak and transported to Rabaul. Later, Major Cheli was taken away from the rest of the prisoners and never seen again. Although the Japanese denied it, he and others were executed at this time.

Memorials
Cheli is buried at Jefferson Barracks, MO.

References
ATIS 1146, 1259, 1451
AWM 479668 [War Crimes and Trials - Investigation of Atrocities:] Fate of Service Personnel - Report of Board of Inquiry - Subjects NX42138 Capt JH Massie; Major R Cheli; FO DM Yancey; 1st/Lt VA Ramey; F/Sgt RC Warren; S/Sgt CH Murphrce
Warpath Across the Pacific, page 91

RAAF Court of enquiry reports that aircraft was seen to make a good landing. The board considers that Massie, Yancey and Raney were killed in action; Warren and Murphree were taken prisoner and later died of wounds. Cheli was taken prisoner and evacuated to Rabaul.

Thanks to Daniel Leahy for additional crew details

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