13th Air Force Tanauan to Labo crashed and FOUND!
Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 11:05 pm
Hello. I am the nephew of Sgt Marvin A. Gill, who on board a C-47A with five other crewman, crashed 12 miles from Tanauan air strip on route to Labo to deliver gasoline to Phillipine guerillas on 12 March, 1945. The crew consisted of Capt. George W. Grismore, 2d Lt. Authur F. Parkhurst, 2d Lt Edwin H. Franks, T Sgt James G. Maynard, and Sgt Philip Taliaferro Jr. The reckage was never found after a search conducted by the 25th Liaison Squadron.
In 1989, A Philippine policeman discovered the wreakage of a vintage US airplane in the middle part of Burauen, Leyte near Mt. Amandiwing. Tail numbers, two set of dog tags, and human remains were found and eventually sent to JPAC command at Hickam AFB for identification. Four of the crew were positively identified with the remaining two circumstancially expected to be a part of that same mission. Diplomatic obstacles prevent JPAC officials from conducting investigative and recovery operations where surely more proof could be obtained about all the crew aboard that day. My family was briefed by JPAC last week, and services for my Uncle are scheduled for next month. If anyone has any questions or may have known Sgt. Gill, or others aboard, I would be thrilled to answer them or share what little information I have been provided. Thank you.
In 1989, A Philippine policeman discovered the wreakage of a vintage US airplane in the middle part of Burauen, Leyte near Mt. Amandiwing. Tail numbers, two set of dog tags, and human remains were found and eventually sent to JPAC command at Hickam AFB for identification. Four of the crew were positively identified with the remaining two circumstancially expected to be a part of that same mission. Diplomatic obstacles prevent JPAC officials from conducting investigative and recovery operations where surely more proof could be obtained about all the crew aboard that day. My family was briefed by JPAC last week, and services for my Uncle are scheduled for next month. If anyone has any questions or may have known Sgt. Gill, or others aboard, I would be thrilled to answer them or share what little information I have been provided. Thank you.