Pilot 1st Lt John Cunningham, O-727419 (MIA / KIA)
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Charles R. Thomas 0_795512 (MIA / KIA) FL
Turret Gunner S/Sgt John A. Manconi 12125576 (MIA / KIA) NY
Radio S/Sgt Edward L. Kearney 32418090 (MIA / KIA) NY
Crashed November 2, 1943
MACR 1013
Aircraft History
Engines: R-2600-13 Serial Numbers 41-29066 and 41-31975.
Mission History
Took off from Port Moresby on a a bombing mission against Rabaul. After attacking shipping in Simpson Harbor, believed to be lost due to enemy anti-aircraft fire. Witnesses thought they saw the left engine burning, wheels down and losing altitude, headed on a course of 140 degrees. The plane appeared to be under control when last seen.
Wreckage
In fact, this B-25 crashed near Kokopo. Catholic nuns held prisoner in the area recovered the bodies from the crash site and buried them at Takabuo.
Postwar, this crash site was investigated and graves exhumed and recovered by US Army AGRS to Manila.
References
Thanks Edward Rogers for additional information.
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Last Updated
October 1, 2009
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