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Pilot History
Lt. James O'Neil of Ames, Idaho enlisted on August 27, 1942 and earned his wings on April 26, 1943 at Moore Field, Texas and served in the South Pacific for 20 months as a P-40 and P-38 pilot. He was awarded the Air Medal in March 1944, Oak Leaf Cluster and Legion of Merit in April 1944. He was credited with three victories during the war. On March 12, 1944 he flew an escort mission to Wewak and claimed a fighter at low level over the sea off Brandi. He claimed two victories over Leyte on November 24, 1944. After returning to the United States, he was killed on June 14, 1945 in a crash at Riverside, California.
Aircraft History
This aircraft was possibly P-40N nicknamed "Bucket O'Bolts" Nose Number 3.
Wartime History
Sometime later in the war, this aircraft was demilitarized at Finschafen Airfield, with the guns and instruments removed, then the tail and wings cut. Finally, the remains were buried at the airfield.
Wreckage
Excavated from a 30' hole near the airfield during by '75 Squadron' during 2001. On the cockpit was the name "Lt. J. J. O'Neil" also "Lt. H. W. Harris" and "Crew Chief Sgt Frank
Schwartz".
Jason Van Der Graaf is quoted:
"As you can imagine, the aircraft is in very bad shape and will require about 70 percent of its structure to be remanufactured. We have been working on it for a number of years and hope to eventually return this aircraft to flying status.”
References
WWII plane discovered in New Guinea connects to Ames pilot February 15, 2009
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Last Updated
October 1, 2009
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