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  B-25D-1 "Notre Dame De Victoire" Serial Number 41-30316  
USAAF
5th AF
3rd BG
90th BS

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3rd BG c1943

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3rd BG c1943
Pilot  Major John "Jock" P. Henebry (survived) Plainfield, IL
Co-Pilot  1st Lt Norman J. Spitzer (survived)
Crew  S/Sgt Cornel J. Biskupski (survived)
Crew  S/Sgt John Manovich (survived)
Crew  S/Sgt Joseph M. Garber (survived)
Crashed  November 2, 1943
MACR  none

Aircraft History
Built by North American Aviation (NAA). Constructors Number 87-8481. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-25D-10 Mitchell serial number 41-30316. Ferried overseas via Hickam Field then across the Pacific to Australia. Converted into a B-25D-1 strafer version by the 4th Air Depot at Garbutt Field in Townsville.

Wartime History
Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 3rd Bombardment Group (3rd BG), 90th Bombardment Squadron (90th BS). Nicknamed "Notre Dame De Victoire" by Major John P. "Jock" Henebry after his alma mater, the University of Notre Dame. Converted to a strafer with machine guns installed in the nose.

Mission History
On November 2, 1943 took off on a mission against Rabaul. Dropped its bombs on a 7,000 to 8,500 ton transport in Simpson Harbor. Upon leaving the target area, fighters intercepted and knocked out one engine. Because the propeller could not be feathered, a maximum speed of 145mph and a height of 200' could only be maintained as the bomber departed the target area. Returning from the mission, this B-25 was able to reach Kiriwina Airfield but was unable to clear the trees at the end of the runway and instead ditched into the sea, without injury to any of the crew.

Rescue
Soon after ditching, the entire crew was rescued by a PT Boat and returned to duty.

References
USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-25D-10 Mitchell 41-30316

The Grim Reapers (2002) page 112, 113 (Eyewitness Story of Rabaul Smash by Lee Van Atta), 114-128
Eyewitness Story of Rabaul Smash by Lee Van Atta Oct 12, 1943
PNG Museum Aircraft Status Card - B-25D Mitchell pilot Henebry
Thanks Edward Rogers for additional information

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Last Updated
January 12, 2023

 

Tech Information
B-25

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