|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| USAAF 5th AF 38th BG 405th BS |
Pilot Captain Warren P. McCartney, O-433711 (WIA, survived) Co-Pilot 2nd Lt. John S. Donnaud (WIA, survived) LA Crew 2nd Lt Richard P. Slye, O-790302 (WIA, survived) WI Crew T/Sgt H. J. W. Murphy (WIA, survived) Crew T/Sgt Louis E. Peek, 18040126 (WIA, died of wounds) Avery, TX Force Landed August 21, 1943 MACR none Aircraft History Built by North American Aviation (NAA). Constructors Number 87-8331. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-25D-5 Mitchell serial number 41-30166. Ferried overseas via Hickam Field then across the Pacific to Australia. Wartime History In Australia, modified into a B-25D-1 strafer at 4th Air Depot at Garbutt Field in Townsville. On April 26, 1943 assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 38th Bombardment Group (38th BG), 405th Bombardment Squadron (405th BS). Assigned to pilot Captain Warren P. McCartney. This bomber had the green dragon motif painted on the side of the nose. No known nickname or nose art. Mission History On August 21, 1943 at 7:12am took off from 17 Mile Drome (Durand) near Port Moresby piloted by Captain Warren P. McCartney on Mission 232H a low level strike against Dagua Airfield near Wewak. The formation was escorted by sixteen P-38 Lightnings from the 8th Fighter Group (8th FG), 80th Fighter Squadron (80th FS). During the flight, there was an overcast over the mountains and scattered clouds over the Wewak area. Over the targets, the B-25s made strafing runs and released parafrag bomb against parked aircraft and the airfields then departed the area. Roughly fifteen miles south of Dagua, the formation was intercepted by approximately 20-30 enemy aircraft including Ki-43 Oscars from the 13th Sentai, 59th Sentai plus Ki-61 Tonys from the 68th Sentai. During the air combat, U.S. aircraft claimed eleven enemy aircraft shot down. This B-25 was attacked by a "Zero" [Ki-43 Oscar] that the gunners claimed as shot down but damaged the hydraulic system in the left engine nacelle. Aboard, Peek was Wounded In Action (WIA). Returning, this B-25 radioed that it would make a crash landing at 7 Mile Drome (Jackson). On his approach, McCartney noticed fuel drums near the crash site and radioed to have them moved. Meanwhile, he circled until his fuel became low and noticed the fuel drums were not removed. While sliding down the runway, one of the wings clipped a fuel drum and was dosed in fuel that quickly caught fire and caused the bomber to burn. Aboard, the crew all suffered burns, two with critical injuries. Officially, this aircraft was condemned on August 23, 1943. Rescue After the crash, the crew were rescued by ground personnel. That same day, Peek died of his wounds. Memorials Peek was officially declared dead the day of the mission. Postwar, he buried at Savannah Cemetery in Avery, TX. Slye passed away on May 6, 1988 at age 69. He is buried at Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Tucker, GA. Donnaud passed away on May 12, 1988 at age 66. He is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in New Orleans, LA. References NARA -World War II Army Enlistment Records John S. Donnaud NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Richard P. Slye NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Louis E. Peek USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-25C Mitchell 41-30166 FindAGrave - John Shelburne Donnaud (grave photo) FindAGrave - Richard Paul Slye (grave photo) FindAGrave - Louis E. Peek (grave photo) Sun Setters of the Southwest Pacific Area (2011) pages 200-201 (August 21, 1943 mission), AIII-15 Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated
|
 B-25 |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
