USAAF
5th AF
3rd BG
8th BS

Jack Fellows

Justin Taylan 2006

Pilot  Major Raymond H. Wilkins, O-429531 (KIA) (C.O. 8th BS)
Co-Pilot  2nd Lt. Howard R. Bruce, O-800683 (KIA)
Crew  S/Sgt George H. Chamberlain, 32382962 (KIA)
Crew  T/Sgt Miles L. Rowe, 19010433 (KIA)
Shot Down November 2, 1943
MACR 2527

Pilot History
Raymond "Ray" Wilkins was the only A-24 to return to base after the July 29, 1942 mission to bomb Japanese ships off Gona. Wilkins earned the Medal of Honor (postumously) for his actions on the November 2, 1943 mission.

Aircraft History
Nicknamed "Fifi" after pilot Wilkin's Australian fiance.

MIssion History
Took off from Dobodura to attack shipping in Simpson Harbor, first bombing a destroyer and reportedly scoring a direct hit on it. Then, bombing and strafing a Japanese merchant vessel. Wikins flew in the path of a Cruiser and made a strafing run on it, to ] distracted its fire. Hit by its intense anti-aircraft fire, the stabilizer was shot off, and left wing outer wing, causing it to crash inside Simpson Harbor upside down. All crew were declared KIA in 1946.

The MACR adds eyewitness testimony of another 8th BS pilot:
"With no bombs left, Major Wilkins made a determined strafing run over the heavily armed vessel, trying to silence some of the guns, in order to protect his other planes. Immediately passing over the cruiser, his vertical stabilizer and rudder snapped off, followed by his left wing crumpling. The aircraft hit the water on its back and disintegrated.

Relatives
Kathleen Wilkins (niece of Raymond Wilkins)

References
Warpath Across The Pacific covers this aircraft's loss on page 88
Thanks to Edward Rogers and Kathleen Wilkins for additional info

Contribute Information