Pilot  William W Morton, O-439666 (MIA / KIA)
Crashed  March 16, 1943

Aircraft History
Constructor's Number 5358.

Mission History
Took off from 14 Mile Drome (Schwimmer) on a photo reconnaissance mission over the Ramu and Markham Valley.

Morten radioed to Port Moresby that he was "over the ranges". This was taken to mean that he was established south of the Owen Stanley Mountain Ranges. No further broadcasts were heard.

In fact, he had crashed in the sea north-wesst of Fisherman's Island (Daugo) Island off Port Moresby. The aircraft crashed due to unknown circumstances. The remains of the pilot have never been found.

Wreckage
The wreckage of this P-38 was discovered by divers during the 1990s The instrument panel was recovered from the wreckage, with the radio dataplate confirming the aircraft's identity.

References
Wrecks & Reefs pages 156 - 159
The Eight Ballers: Eyes of the Fifth Air Force pages 160
Thanks to Keith Hopper for additional information.

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