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| USAAF 5th AF 6th PRG 8th PRS   8th PRS c1943 |
Pilot 2nd Lt. Robert M. Blackard, O-661433 (MIA / KIA, BR) Harrisburg, IL Crashed May 21, 1943 at 8:12am MACR 12279 Aircraft History Built by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation (LAC) in Burbank. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF). Converted from a E model into a F-4 photographic reconnaissance version. Disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia and reassembled. Wartime History Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group (PRG), 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (PRS). Nicknamed "Dotin' Donna" with number "77" (last two digits of the serial number) on the tail and nose. When lost, engines V1710-27-29 serial numbers (left) 41-33773 (right) 41-33151. Mission History On May 21, 1943 took off from 14 Mile Drome (Schwimmer) near Port Moresby piloted by 2nd Lt. Robert M. Blackard at approximately 9:00am on mission 140Z, a solo reconnaissance flight from 23,000' over Wau, Salamaua and the Markham Valley. Weather was clear with few scattered clouds and good visibility. Last seen on take off. When this aircraft failed to return it was listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Officially condemned on October 31, 1944. Search On May 22, 1943 Lightnings from the 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (PRS) searched the Salamaua to Markham area twice with nil sighting. On May 23, 1943 another search was made without results over Salamaua. Other searches were conducted on May 25, May 26, May 27, May 28, May 29, May 30 each without results. Also, Captain Frank S. Savage, C.O. 5th Bomber Command Operations, Fighter Section alerted Allied aircraft in the area to lookout for this missing plane. Also, Australian Army patrols searched without results. Wreckage On September 16, 1944 locals found the wreckage of this aircraft in the vicinity of Nassau Bay in the Markham Valley. The number "2117" was observed on the wreckage. Recovery of Remains Remains, presumed to be the pilot were found in the aircraft with a Colt .45 caliber pistol serial number 840898 issued to Blackard prior to his departure from the United States. Memorials Blackard was officially declared dead the day of the mission. Postwar, his remains were transported to the United States for permanent burial at Sunset Lawn Cemetery in Harrisburg, IL. References Missing Air Crew Report 12279 (MACR 12279) PNG Museum Aircraft Status Card - F-4 Lightning 41-2177 The Eight Ballers: Eyes of the Fifth Air Force pages 160 FindAGrave - Lieut Robert Maurice Blackard (grave photos) Thanks to Robert Rocker for additional information Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated
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 F-4  Map May 21, 1943  MIA 1 Missing Resolved |
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