Pilot  2nd Lt Francis J. Piotrowski, O-1173035 (MIA / KIA)
Observer  Major Earl Robert Kindig, O-22640 (MIA / KIA)
Crashed  February 7, 1944

Aircraft History
Engine was a Continental 0-170-3, Serial Number 156781

Mission History
On February 7, 1944, at 01:00pm hours approximately 18 miles southeast of Saidor. Major Kindig, unsatisfied with the results of previous forward air observation of his artillery fire, took to the air in an effort to rectify that circumstance. Low on fuel and with radio contact lost, the plane was last seen, flying up the Yaut River Valley. The plane flew below the level of the clouds which obscured Gabutamon, to a point approximately 2,000 yards directly west of Gabutamon at which time a few rounds landed near the range of hills on which Gabutamon was situated.

Discovery
The wreckage of the aircraft was discovered on July 28, 1998 by Alfred Hagen, and the aircraft's identity was identified by Michael Clarinbould.

MIA Case Solved
The site was investigated by US Army CILHI in January 2000 and assigned code PNG Site 104. A recovery team went to the site on March 8, 2000. Remains were positively identified, and returned to the family members. Kindig was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on October 30, 2001.

Relatives
Michael Kindig (son of Kindig)

References
Thanks to Michael Kindig for assistance and additional information.

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