USAAF
5th AF
475th FG
431st FS
Former Unit
Assignment
35FG
39FS
Justin Taylan 2003
Pilot 2nd Martin P. Hawthorne (KIA)
Crashed January 22, 1944
Aircraft History
Manufacture Number 7145. This P-39 was first assigned to the 35th FG, 39th FS and was transfered to the 475th FG, 431st FS at Dobodura when they formed.
Mission History
Took off for a test flight from Dobodura. He crashed and was killed. He may have been missing for a short period following the crash due to the jungle and the distance from the field.
Wreckage
The shattered wreckage was discovered in the early 1980's
when villagers were clearing a new garden. The broken and
scattered
wreckage lies in a ditch. The aircraft had a large, yellow tail number, ending in '7' still visible on the tail.
Justin Taylan reports:
"Villagers talk about several bones [part of skull and arm bone] found
at the site. They took the bones and buried them in village
cemetery. I left them with a US flag for the grave that they were
happy to accept."
Kieth Hopper adds:
"I found the AAF serial number stamped into a cowl panel beside the manufacture number. This is quite rare. I have only seen it once before, on the F-4 41-2140. I suspect it was stamped in theatre upon arrival and the practice was discontinued as more and more P-38's started to arrive. I have the individual aircraft card for this aircraft. It was officially written off on the 23rd of January 1944 as Converted Missing Enemy Action. I suspect the reference to missing enemy action refers to the immediate lack of access to the crash site due jungle and remotness and the fact the loss occured in a combat zone. The land owner is expecting his friend Rob back this week to collect the wreckage which he has already signed over. He seems very happy with the deal he has struck."
P-38
