Pilot Lt. J. F. Ward, Jr. (survived)
Force Landed May 28, 1942
Mission History
One of fourteen Airacobras that took off from 7-Mile Drome at 07:50am to intercept A6M2 Zeros over Port Moresby. Force landed wheels up near the beach at Gaile, 25 miles south-east of Port Moresby. Returned to service at 7-MIle Drome the same day.
Wreckage
Remained in situ until 1968.
Ray Fairfield recalls:
"Yes that's Bill hauling on the rope. This P-39 was on a grass area near the road to Gaile. It deteriorated rapidly after I first saw it in 1964, as it was so accessible."
Recovery
Recovered by Bill Chapman in 1968, and transported to Port Moresby for the proposed Air Museum of Papua New Guinea.
Ray Fairfield recalls:
"It was retrieved, mainly for parts, in 1968. The shot up on drums was in the compound where we were accumulating spares for the museum. this recovery was about the same time as P-47D "Frankie" 42-8130."
Fate after salvage unknown.
References
Thanks to Edward Rogers for additional information
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Last Updated
October 1, 2009
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