Pilot  Lt. Billy Ramsey (MIA/KIA)
Gunner  Sgt Charlie Sciara (POW executed)
Crashed  January 14, 1944

Mission History
On Jan.14, 1944 while on a bombing mission against enemy shipping at Rabaul, their SBD was hit by either anti-aircraft fire or a fighter, resulting in the loss of its tail. Last seen in a flat spin over St. Georges Channel northeast of Rabaul. Their bodies were never recovered.

Listed MIA and Controversy
My family was told, both were classified as MIA, both died the day of the crash. After the war my parents received a letter from the Marine Corp stating Sgt Charles Sciara did not die on Jan14, 1944. He somehow survived the crash and was taken prisoner by the Japanese and died in an unknown prison camp. They say he might have died Feburary 22, 1944 from Malari and beri-beri. He probably was murdered by the Japanese.

Relative
John Sciara (brother of Charles Sciara)
152 Carlyle Drive
Palm Harbor, FL 34683
"My family was very upset after the war and was not sure what to believe. My brother was under age and my Mom had to sign him in. He was 20 when he died. Mom said at least he died the way he wanted. I was only 10 months old and never seen him alive. They and many others gave up their tomorrows for our todays. I believe their plane lies somewhere in Rabaul's harbor. She had a poem she liked:

Satisfied
I'll never be "First Lady" Nor grace a magazine,
I never will be famous. Nor will I be a queen.
But I would never change my lot with any that I"ve seen
For you see- I am the mother of a United States Marine!"

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