B25 41 30771 shot down near Cape Kusserou, Madang

[Eletheer]

Anyone have information concerning this crash? Pilot was 1/Lt Charles E. Besley (wife's uncle); 2/Lt Frank O. Burgeson, co-pilot; 1/Lt Gerlad Greenberg, navigator; T/Sgt Elden Protivinsky, Radio operator; and T/Sgt John A. Jenna, Gunner. Shot down 21 Dec 1943. Mixed reports of whether there could have been survivors. Anyone know of any recovery plans? Thanks. Joe

[Edward]

Hi Joe,

We do not yet have a page on your wife's uncle's B-25 but we would be glad to add one. Do you a photo of Lt. Besley?

B-25D-1 #41-30771
405th Squadron
38th Bomb Group
lost 21 December 1943
Hit by AA fire south of Madang and crashed 150 feet off shore at Cape Kusserou, Madang
No survivors were seen, though apparently the aircraft re-surfaced after striking the water.

http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/a ... hafen.html

The website Leondus.com has a page on the loss with some nice maps and the MACR.

http://www.leondus.com/gaming/modules.p ... age&pid=18

Edward

[Cascade456]

I have a photo that has a Lt Besley (but it looks like it spelled with a Z) along with T/Sgt Prottivinsky. I'll try to post the picture.

[Eletheer]

Cascades: Thank you so very much. Yes, that is Charles E. Besley on the far right, back row of the picture. The family will be so thrilled to have this picture, and again--thank you for taking the time and effort to make sure we got it. It is appreciated. Joe