Pilot  1st Lt. Elwood C. Krisher, O-437977 (NY) (MIA / KIA)
Crashed  August 21, 1943

Mission History
Took off from 3-Mile Drome near Port Moresby around 10:00am to escort bombers to to bomb Dagua and But near Wewak. One of sixteen 80th FS P-38s providing close escort for the bombers.

Part of a four fighter element led by Norbert "Norb" Ruff. When Ruff's aircraft experienced an oil failure and he was forced to aboard and return to base alone, and turned the flight over to Guttel.

There were scattered clouds over the target and an overcast en route over the mountains. The formation was attacked by between 20 and 40 Ki-43 Oscars about 15 miles south of Dagua, eleven of which were claimed to have been shot down. This P-38 was lost in the engagement. One P-38 smoking badly was seen in the vicinity of Dagua. It went through the clouds at 1000ft and was not seen again.

Three P-38 was lost in aerial combat over Wewak: P-38G piloted by Guttel, P-38G piloted by Feeman and this aircraft.

References
Ruff Stuff page 128
Japanese Army Air Force Fighter Units And Their Aces appendix

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