Aircraft History
Built by Douglas. Constructors Number 6073. Assigned to the USAAF on November 30, 1942.

Piloted by 2nd Lt. Kenneth A. Young, this C-47 was one of ten flown from Hamilton Field on January 6, 1943 bound for Hickam Field. Departed on January 9, for Christmas Island. January 10 to Canton Island. January 11 arrived at Nandi Airfield. Departed January 14 for Plaines des Gaiacs, encountering a storm on the way. Departed on the 15 for Amberley Field, and registered with the 5th Air Force. Maintenance was performed at Archerfield.

On January 17 departed for Townsville, and arrived at Wards Drome (5-Mile) near Port Moresby on January 18, where the aircraft was assigned to the 347th Troop Carrier Group.

This C-47 was assigned to the 2nd Echelon with crew of pilot 2nd Lt. Kenneth Young, Co-pilot 2nd Lt. Ear E. Winters, Navigator 2nd Lt. Frank S. Smith, Radio Cpl Leroy V. Nolan and crew chief Sgt Charles E. Westerfield. By the end of 1943, this C-47 had flown 97.1 hours total in the Squadron.

After the loss of C-47 "Swamp Rat" 41-38601, this C-47 was also nicknamed "Swamp Rat II". This version featured the same rat, but was angled downward and a bent tail, with "II" next to the name. Assigned Squadron Nose Number 62, which was painted in large numbers behind both sides of the cockpit.

A photograph taken during April 1943 shows this C-47 flying to Wau escorted by P-39 Airacobras of the 41st Fighter Squadron.

This C-47 returned to the USA on January 20, 1944. Transferred to RFC on October 2, 1945. To civil registry as NC13726 (Air Cargo Transport Corp). Cancelled, fate unknown, likely scrapped.

References
WWII Pacific Air Transport History List, Volume 2, page 350, 323, 338
Joe Baugher / USAAF Serial Numbers
The Art of William S. Phillips "Nanette" depicts this C-47 p. 40-41
Thanks to Edward Rogers for additional information

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