USAAF
5th AF
38th BG
823rd BS
1943
Pilot F/O R. Smith, T-186554
Co-Pilot C. T. Newland, T-346?
Navigator 2nd Lt. Robert D. Chaplin, Jr., O-671281
Radio Sgt T. Anagnos, 32503485
Gunner Sgt J.R. Boykin, 18121719
Crashed November 3, 1943
MACR 1087
Aircraft History
Engines: R-2600-13 Serial Numbers: LE 43-23362, RE 42-77629
Mission History
Took off from 17-Mile
Durand Aerodrome at 7:13am to attack barges, buildings and hideouts from Alexishafen to Bogadjim. Rendezvous was effected over Nadzab at 3,500ft with fighter escort consisting of P-47s. The three fights of three aircraft started the sweep at Odrobeg village two and a half miles north of Alexishafen and searched the area along the coast, south to Bogadjim. This aircraft crashed at 9:40am in the water 3/4 of a mile off shore, in vicinity of Bili Bili, south of Madang. Cause unknown but thought due to loss of power due to damage from ack-ack. The aircraft was seen to strike the water, bounce twice and sank immediately. The entire crew was last seen in a life raft, making towards Bili Bili.
References
Death At Amron by Walt Deas mentions this loss.
B-25
MIA
