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  B-25D-20 "Buzzin' Buzzard" Serial Number 41-30632  
USAAF
5th AF
345th BG
498th BS

Former Assignments
22nd BG
2nd BS

Click For Enlargement
345th BG c1943
Pilot  2nd Lt Monroe G. Adelman, O-675155 (KIA, BR)
Co-Pilot  2nd Lt Edward V. Stefanowski, O-888823 (MIA / KIA) Superior, WI
Radio  S/Sgt John F. Barkau, 35459057 (MIA, KIA) OH
Photographer  Sgt Paul W. Denney, 38190601 (MIA / KIA) KS

Crashed  March 10, 1944
MACR  15101

Aircraft History
Built by North American Aviation (NAA). Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-25D-20 Mitchell serial number 41-30632. Ferried oversea via Hickam Field then across the Pacific to Australia. Converted to a model D-1 strafer version by the 4th Air Depot at Garbutt Field in Townsville.

Wartime History
During the middle of 1943 assigned to the 5th Air Force, 22nd Bombardment Group (22nd BG), 2nd Bombardment Squadron (2nd BS). First combat mission was October 14, 1943. In total, this B-25 flew 57 combat missions over New Guinea.

On January 31, 1944, transferred to the 345th Bombardment Group, 498th Bombardment Squadron. Nicknamed "Buzzin' Buzzard".

Mission History
On March 10, 1944 took off from Nadzab Airfield piloted by 2nd Lt Monroe G. Adelman on a low level training mission. During the flight, one wing struck the water causing it to crash and immediately sink into Hessian Bay (Hessen Bay) near Buso. The cause of the accident was unknown and there were no survivors. When this B-25 failed to return, it was declared Missing In Action (MIA).

Recovery of Remains
The body of Lt Adelman was recovered and buried at Nadzab. All other bodies were not recovered. Stefanowski and Denney were officially declared dead the day of the mission. Barkau was officially declared dead officially on July 10, 1944.

Stefanowski, Denney and Barkau are memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing. Adelman is buried at United Hebrew Cemetery in Staten Island, NY.

References
USAF Serial Number Search Results - B-25D-20 Mitchell 41-30632
Missing Air Crew Report 15101 (MACR 15101)
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Edward V. Stefanowski
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - John F. Barkau
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Paul W. Denney
FindAGrave - Lieut Monroe G Adelman
Revenge of the Red Raiders page 492
Warpath Across The Pacific page 144, 368, 382

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Last Updated
January 24, 2023

 

Tech Info
B-25

MIA
MIA
3 Missing
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