Pilot Major Earl P. Paris (rescued)
Gunner TSgt A. F. Christenson (rescued)
Crashed December 1, 1943
Mission History
Took off from Munda on a strike against Chabai. Finding it covered in clouds, the formation of 48 Navy SBD dive bombers and 24 TBFs perform
strikes on Ballale supply areas instead.
During the mission, this aircraft was lost. This SBD was possibly seen to go in, with only one chute
opening.
Rescue
Both crew members were reported at Tomase Island near Shortland Harbor off Shortland Island on December 4, without any food for days. Both crew were rescued on December 7, 1943 by VP-23 PBY Catalina commanded by LCDR. G. E. Garcia (C. O. of VP-23), landing at 0755 and took off at 0800 and landed at Rendova Harbor at 0920.
References
Pilot's name might have been spelled 'Faris'.
Thanks to Jim Sawruk for rescue information
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Last Updated
October 1, 2009
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