Gordon Manuel - Bombardier Shot Down Behind Enemy Lines
Thanks to son Gordon Manuel, Jr. for diary entry and additional information

Bombardier in the 43rd Bombardment Group, 64th Bombardment Squadron. His bomber, B-17E "Honi Kuu Okole" 41-9244 was shot down by a Japanese night fighter piloted by Shigetoshi Kudo. Manuel bailed out and evaded capture behind enemy lines in New Britain, despite wounds from the shoot down.

Assisted by friendly locals, after a half year alone with only the local people, increased Allied air operations cause other pilots to crash in his area. Manuel locates Owen Giertsen and later is joined by two others: Carl Planck and Edward Czarnecki. On February 5, 1944 the USS Gato surfaced in Open Bay to rescue the group, plus three other. Immediately after the war, he wrote 70,000 to One about his experiences in the war. Allied pilots.

He was later commissioned into the USAF as a 2nd Lieutenant with serial number 0-888863. And ended his service as a Captain. Manuel passed away August 16, 1950 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetary. He is survived by his only son: Gordon Manuel, Jr.

Last Updated
September 30, 2009