Pilot 2nd Lt. Charles F. Russell, O-752448 (KIA) IL
Passenger
Pvt William C. Mason, 39574350 (KIA)
Crashed June 10, 1944
MACR none
Aircraft History
Built at Douglas. Delivered to the U. S. Army. Shipped overseas to Australia.
Wartime History
Assigned to the 5th Air Force, 312th Bombardment Group, 389th Bombardment Squadron on March 21, 1944. No known nose art or nickname. Tail letter unknown.
Mission History
On June 10, 1944 took off from Gusap Airfield on a test flight. For unknown reasons, this A-20 crashed into the side of a hill five miles north of Gusap.
Search
Aerial searches the next day located the wreckage, and later the remains of both crew were recovered.
Memorials
Declared dead the day of the mission. Russell is buried at Manila American Cemetery. Russell at Plot L Row 6 Grave 127. Mason's grave is unknown, likely a private burial in the United States.
References
PNG Museum Aircraft Status Card - A-20G Havoc 43-31299 states possibly assigned to the 386th Service Squadron
Rampage of the Roarin' 20s pages 348, 365
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Last Updated
February 4, 2018
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