468th Bomb Group China-Burma-India Losses
42-6229 – 793rd Bomb Squadron – Model B-29-1-MO – Delivered
to USAAF on 2/24/44. Departed Smoky Hill for India on 4/15/44
and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on 5/7/44.
India Combat Missions – 2
Hump Missions – 2
Crashed at end of runway on mission to Yawata, June 15, 1944.
At take off Captain Hughes in 42-6229 crashed at the end of the
runway. As the ship was immediately enveloped in flames,
ammunition cooked off and the bombs exploded. It was most
certainly a miracle that every member of the crew got out safely
with only minor scratches, burns and shock.
Crew
Capt. R.E. Hughes – AC
2nd Lt. C.E. Troyer – CP
2nd Lt. M.H. Pickard – N
2nd Lt. D.C. McComas – B
2nd Lt. S.G. Wolf – FE
S/Sgt. R.A. Singleton – R
Lt. J.B. Jett – V
Sgt. E.A. Shiver – CFC
S/Sgt. B.F. Smith – RG
S/Sgt. W.P. Scott – LG
S/Sgt. E.C. Hill – TG
42-6271 – 792nd Bomb Squadron – Delivered to USAAF on
12/19/43 – Model B-29-5-BW – Departed Smoky Hill on 4/13/44 for
India and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on 5/5/44.
Hump Missions – 1
Abandoned enroute A-7 on 6/7/44. Crash occurred near Loshan
in Szechwan Province, now known as Sichuan Province.
On June 7, 1944, while on a routine cargo mission over the
hump, Major Pattillo and crew in 42-6271 were forced to bail out.
The bail out occurred near Ho Shan, China. The cause was
basically due to a run a way prop. The prop could not be
feathered and soon all the oil was used up in attempting to
feather the propeller. Nine members of the crew were rescued in
five days. The body of Sgt. E.H. Tidy was found floating in a river
3 miles from the scene of the accident two days later. The
remaining member of the crew Lt. G. Matthews has not been
reported and is still MIA. 1st Lt. R.L. Cournoyer, reported as he
floated down, the airplane started to dive straight at him. The
airplane passed so close that his chute was deflated
momentarily by the prop wash. He further stated that 42-6271 did
two chandelles, dove straight for the ground for about 3000 feet,
pulled up and finally dove to the ground. 42-6271 was
completely demolished.
James Pattillo’s Statement: Bail out due to dragging runaway
prop almost 200 miles without getting it slowed down, being
above clouds over three hours with Navigator unsure of position
and losing 7,000 feet with emergency power on remaining
engines, still sinking into what appeared to be mountains. The
crew of 42-6271bailed out in a relatively straight line with a river
winding below which we weren’t aware of because of the clouds
beneath us. Pattillo bailed out with three engines running at
emergency power, therefore, when his hands left the aileron
controls 42-6271started turning into the dead engine, once he
stopped holding the nose, it dropped and 42-6271 went into a
diving turn to the left, airspeed then started building up.
Airspeed finally became so high that 42-6271 started climbing,
after climbing slightly it started into a second dive and kept this
up until it hit the ground.
Crew
Maj. James Pattillo – AC
2nd Lt. Geoffrey Matthews – CP – MIA
2nd Lt. Donald V. Irby – B
1st Lt. Richard M. Cournoyer – N
FO Ralph M. Roberts – FE
2nd Lt. Robert M. Humphrey - R
Sgt. Eric H. Tidy – RG - KIA
Sgt. Claude F. Frey - TG
Sgt. Henry G. Brogden - CFC
Sgt. T.M. Keegan – RO
Sgt. Stephen M. Klusovsky - LG
_______________________________________________________
42-6230 – “Limber Dugan” – 792nd Bomb Squadron – Delivered
to USAAF on 2/19/44 – Model B-29-1-MO – Departed Smoky Hill
on 4/15/44 for India and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on
5/4/44.
India Missions – 2
Hump Missions – 1
Mission to Yawata on June 15, 1944, reported as MIA. Missing
Air Crew Report Number: 6596
Toru Fukubayashi report – 42-6230 crashed in Takasu,
Wakamatsu City, Fukuoka Prefecture – 12 KIA – According to
the GHQ/SCAP Report Number 1241, 12 crew members were on
B-29 42-6230. One was a passenger whose name was Mr.
William Shenkel rank and serial number unknown.
First B-29 shot down over Japan by WO Sadamitsu Kimura, who
caught the Superfortress in the searchlights from below and
started to attack. “I approached it to within 20 or 30 meters,
suddenly everything became white because of the reflected light
off the big fuselage of the enemy plane, which filled my gun
sight. It started to climb in fear of being rammed by me. I did not
hesitate, I started to fire and I could tell that I hit it. The nose
came down slowly and it started to spin, I saw one piece of the
fin come off”.
Captain Ivanovic and crew were never heard from after takeoff.
Crew
Capt. D.D. Ivanovic – AC
2nd Lt. C.M. McMichael – P
1st Lt. C.A. Fisher – N
1st Lt. G.A. Johnson – B
2nd Lt. D.W. Simonson – FE
S/Sgt. H.G. Levy – RO
2nd Lt. R.J. Hymel – R
Sgt. R.C. Arnds – CFC
Sgt. J.C. Dupuis – RG
M/Sgt. J.W. Goodroe – LG
S/Sgt. A.W. Davis – TG
42-6314 – 793rd Bomb Squadron – Delivered to USAAF on 1/20/44
– Model B-29-10-BW – Departed Smoky Hill on 4/13/44 for India
and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on 5/3/44.
Hump Missions – 1
On June 8th Lt. Sloan’s crew returning from a normal cargo
mission in 42-6314 to A-7 was reported missing.
Crew
1st Lt. Leslie J. Sloan – AC
2nd Lt. Carl B. Ray – P
2nd Lt. Frank W. Holms – N
2nd Lt. Vincent R. Casazza – B
2nd Lt. Robert E. Casey – FE
S/Sgt. William C. Lane – R
2nd Lt. Charles D. Gray – V
Cpl. William L. Shufelt – CFC
Cpl. Virgil W. Bailey – RG
Sgt. Francis D. Reed – LG – KIA
Cpl. Glen H. Moore – TG
1st Lt. Sloan and crew reported missing since June 8th on a
return flight from A-7 to India finally turned up with harrowing
stories of 29 days in the Chinese hinterland and their stories
with the Lolo Tribe. Sgt. Francis P. Reed was unfortunately
reported killed in the crash of 42-6314 as his body had been
identified in the wreckage near Leipo, China.
42-6243 – “Roger the Lodger” – 792nd Bomb Squadron –
Delivered to USAAF on 1/31/44 – Model B-29-1-BA – Departed
Smoky Hill for India on 4/10/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb
Group on 5/11/44.
India Combat Missions – 3
Hump Missions – 6
August 10, 1944 Mission to Naval Base at Nagasaki, Japan.
Due to mechanical failure, Major Brown and crew were forced to
bail out near Taogan, China. All crewmembers were rescued in
five days.
Crew
Maj. H.R. Brown – AC
1st Lt. J. Goeringer – CP
1st Lt. A.C. Beach – N
2nd Lt. W.E. Stern, Jr. – B
F/O J.C. Martin – FE
S/Sgt. J.S. Barto – RO
Sgt. R.B. Mogle – V
S/Sgt. J.I. Chobot – CFC
S/Sgt. M.F. Plant – LG
S/Sgt. B. Patterson – RG
S/Sgt. D. Nebeker, Jr. - TG
_______________________________________________________
42-6274 – “Lady Hamilton” 794th Bomb Squadron – Delivered to
USAAF on 12/20/43 – Model B-29-5-BW – Departed Smoky Hill
for India on 4/14/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on
5/17/44.
India Combat Missions – 2
Hump Missions – 10
Captain Robert Mills and his newly arrived alternate crew were
flying “Lady Hamilton 42-6274 on their first mission to Anshan
on July 29, 1944. They lost an engine enroute to the primary
target and elected to go to the secondary target. A Japanese
Zero shot them down over China. Most of the crew walked out
and returned to A-7 safely, the following three crewmembers
have not been heard from and the crewmembers reported only
seeing one other parachute. KIA were A/C Captain Robert Mills,
S/Sgt Walker, CFC and S/Sgt. Richard F. Wehrle, Radar Operator.
MACR 6946
Crew
Capt. Robert G. Mills – AC – KIA
1st Lt. E. Moe – CP
2nd Lt. Rollins – FE
2nd Lt. R. Scandrett - B
2nd Lt. E.W. Peterson – N
S/Sgt. Joe Goodfriend, Jr. – RO
S/Sgt. F.S. Walker – CFC – KIA
S/Sgt. Theodore W. Lehmann – RG
S/Sgt. J. Wesley Mayer – LG
S/Sgt. Arthur H. Stein – TG
S/Sgt. Richard F. Wehrle – R – KIA
_______________________________________________________
42-6253 – “Windy City” 794th Bomb Squadron – Delivered to
USAAF on 11/28/43 – Model B-29-1-BW – Departed Smoky Hill on
4/13/44 for India and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on 5/8/44.
India Combat Missions – 4
Hump Missions – 8
“Windy City” 42-6253 made a belly landing at A-7 and was lost to
the 15th Repair Squadron on 8/22/44 after returning from Yawata
mission. She was scrapped in the CBI on 10/11/44.
Crew
Capt. Gust Askounis – A/C
2nd Lt. John K. Schaefer – CP
1st Lt. Jim Ward – FE
1st Lt. Jim Rutlege – N
2nd Lt. Jack Diamond – B
Tech. Sgt. William Mann – RO
S/Sgt. Fred D. Brownwell – CFC
S/Sgt. Herman K. Sigrist – RG
S/Sgt. Edward J. Mertz – LG
S/Sgt. Therman Hassinger – TG
2nd Lt. William R. Arentsen – R
_______________________________________________________
42-6238 – 792nd Bomb Squadron – Delivered to USAAF on
11/8/43 – Model B-29-1-MO – Departed Smoky Hill on 4/15/44 for
India and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on 5/24/44.
India Combat Missions – 1
Hump Missions – 18
42-6238 was converted to a tanker in the CBI.
Lost October 1, 1944 routine cargo mission, weather involved.
On October 1, 1944 aircraft 42-6238, piloted by Captain Winkler
of the 792nd Bomb Squadron crashed on a routine cargo mission
to the Advance Base, under circumstances which left little doubt
that all on board perished. Aboard 42-6238 as passengers were
Captain Thomas Maxwell, Medical Officer and T/Sgt. S.C.
Spillers, Crew Chief of 42-6238.
Crew – All KIA
Capt. Eddie Winkler – AC
1st Lt. Robert Purvis – CP
2nd Lt. John Geene – FE
2nd Lt. Earl Thompson - N
Maj. John Matthews – Passenger
Capt. Thomas Maxwell – Passenger
T/Sgt. Jack Raymond – RO
T/Sgt. Ward Clark – Crew
S/Sgt. Henry Eyerman – Crew
T/Sgt. Samuel Spillers, Jr. – Crew Chief
42-6255 – 792nd Bomb Squadron – Delivered to USAAF on
12/13/44 – Model B-29-5-BW – Departed Smoky Hill on 4/10/44 for
India and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on 4/18/44.
No Missions
On May 1, 1944, two B-29’s were dispatched to make the first
trips over the Hump to the 468th Base at China. Lt. Sims’s crew
was in 42-6255. Fifty miles north of Jorhat, Lt. Sims’s crew were
forced to bail out, number 2 engine on fire and fire could not be
controlled, 42-6255 on her Maiden Flight was four hours into the
flight and at 23,000 feet. The plane was a total loss. Members of
the crew were picked up within 2 days. Lt Pottol, Radar
Operator, was found drowned in a river near the scene of the
crash.
Crew
Lt. Sims – AC
Lt. Dick Smith – CP
Lt. Bob Harden –
Lt. Bloes – B
Sgt. William McCarthy – Passenger
Sgt. Frank J. Lewis – Crew Chief
Lt. Pottle – R – KIA
Sgt. Ernie Dunlevy – Crew
Cpl. Armando J Maceyra - Passenger
_______________________________________________________
42-6231 – 794th Bomb Squadron – Delivered to USAAF on 1/26/44
– Model B-29-1-MO – Departed Smoky Hill for India on 4/10/44
and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on 4/29/44.
India Combat Missions – 1
Hump Missions – 3
Crashed on return from Yawata, June 16, 1944, MACR 6599.
The crew was known as Crew #6 which was reported missing
from the Yawata Raid. It was later reported that all men were
killed when B-29 42-6231, in which they were flying, crashed into
a mountain about 100 miles north of their base in China.
Crew
Maj. Kenneth L. Akins – AC – KIA
2nd Lt. Floyd E. Lund – CP – KIA
2nd Lt. Salvador Munoz, Jr. – KIA
1st Lt. Paul R. Aeh – KIA
2nd Lt. Timothy J. Barrett – KIA
Sgt. Norvel G. Robertson – KIA
Sgt. Arnold H. Mann – KIA
Sgt. Homer B. Pack, Jr. – KIA
Sgt. Sidney Gilman – KIA
Sgt. Mell Witcher- KIA
S/Sgt. William H. Sorenson – KIA
These men were held in high esteem and they will not be
forgotten as our Squadron endeavors to carry on in the
destruction which they and we came over to deal to our
enemy….794th Squadron
_______________________________________________________
42-6235 – 795th Bomb Squadron – Delivered to USAAF on 1/2/44
– Model B-29-1-BA – Departed Smoky Hill for India on 4/17/44
and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on 6/10/44.
Last of the original crews to leave Smoky Hill.
No Missions
6/26/44 Crashed and surveyed.
After arriving in India 42-6235 had to have all four engines
changed. 42-6235 was a total loss due to retraction of the
landing gear while taxiing. There were no injuries.
Crew
Capt. Boyce C. Anderson – AC
2nd Lt. Frederick N. Corvinus – CP
2nd Lt. Robert Feldman – FE
2nd Lt. Charles Morissi – B
2nd Lt. Richard H. Stillions – N
Sgt. Eugene Sommerville – RO
Sgt. Alexander D. Coan – CFC
Sgt. William C. Hubbard – RG
Sgt. Paul R. Hunt – LG
Sgt. John N. Pletcher – TG
1st Lt. Owen T. Barry II – R
M/Sgt. Edward F. Hilbert – Crew Chief
_______________________________________________________
42-6264 – “O’Reilly’s Daughter” – 792nd Bomb Squadron –
Delivered to USAAF on 12/16/43 – Model B-29-5-BW – Departed
Smoky Hill for India on 4/13/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb
Group on 4/29/44.
India Combat Missions – 5
Hump Missions – 5
42-6264 was lost returning from the Yawata Raid August 21,
1944, crew reported MIA. MACR 11297 – Lt. Col. Savoie was the
Commanding Officer of the 792nd Bomb Squadron. At the China
coast Col. Savoie had Pickett on his right wing and Van Horne
on his left wing. They picked up their course for the bomb run
and on the course ahead the enemy had put up flak in a box
pattern for them to fly through. Pickett’s B-29 was hit and went
down, Col. Savoie’s 42-6264 got through but were them attacked
by fighters and 42-6264 was hit and losing altitude. They bailed
out near the China coast.
In September word was received that 5 crew members of 426264 had reached the safety of Chinese guerrilla forces behind
Japanese lines in occupied China. 1 crew member was captured
by the Japanese and 6 KIA.
On November 18, 1944, Col. Savoie, former Squadron
Commander, 792nd, Capt. O’Brien Navigator, Lt. Stelmach FE, Lt.
Lutz CP, and S/Sgt. Brundage CFC, returned to the 468th Bomb
Group India base. They were forced to bail out due to two
runaway props which could not be feathered. Some of the crew
bailed out over the Yellow Sea and have not been heard from
since. All five crew members appeared before the Evasion and
Escape Board. The Board decided that all five men should be
returned to the United States. All five departed for the U.S. on
November 25, 1944.
Crew
Lt. Col. Savoie – AC- Rescued
Capt. O’Brien – Rescued
Lt. Lutz – Rescued
Lt. Stelmach – Rescued
Sgt. Brundage – Rescued
S/Sgt. James P. Meehan – POW – Liberated
Capt. Louie K. Wedel – KIA
T/Sgt. William A. Beckham – KIA
T/Sgt. Walter W. Alspaugh – KIA
S/Sgt. Granville L. Adams – KIA
T/Sgt. Rollin B. Hefferman – KIA
1st Lt. R.C. Geyer - KIA
42-6362 – 792nd Bomb Squadron – Delivered to the USAAF on
2/22/44 – Model B-29-15-BW – Departed Smoky Hill for India on
4/10/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on 4/19/44.
India Combat Missions – 10
Hump Missions – 7
Takeoff crash 11/21/44 Omura mission, 10 KIA, 1 Survivor.
Captain Maisch crashed shortly after takeoff. He made a normal
takeoff but 42-6362 settled into some trees one half mile off the
south end of the runway. He lost one of his left engines due to
the fact that the prop hit a large tree, breaking off part of one of
his blades. 42-6362 pulled off to the left with the left wing down
and the right wing up in a very step turn, 42-6362 never pulled
out and went into the ground left wing first, cartwheeling. The
tail gunner was found 75 feet from the scene of the crash.
Crew
Capt. H.C. Maisch – AC – KIA
Lt. O.E. Whitley – CP – KIA
1st Lt. E.R. Johnson – FE – KIA
2nd Lt. P.L. Westbrook – N- KIA
2nd Lt. F.E. Meredith – B – KIA
2nd Lt. J.G. Christie – R – KIA
S/Sgt. R.J. Peterson – RO – KIA
T/Sgt. R.R. Brown – RG – KIA
Sgt. H.B. Jackson – CFC – KIA
S/Sgt. O.A. Pegg – LG – KIA
Sgt. Holst – TG – Survived
_______________________________________________________
42-6368 – “Calamity Sue” – 794th Bomb Squadron – Delivered to
USAAF on 2/24/44 – Model B-29-15-BW – Departed Smoky Hill
for India on 4/13/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on
5/4/44.
India Combat Missions – 4
Hump Missions – 3
August 20, 1944, Yawata Raid was hit by pieces of 42-6334,
which was rammed by a Japanese fighter piloted by Sgt. Shigeo
Nobe.
Crashed in Einumaru, Orio-Cho, Yawata City, Fukuoka
Prefecture.
Two crewmembers of 42-6368 were captured shortly after the
landed and were moved to Seibu Army Headquarters, then
moved and imprisoned in Omori POW Camp and returned to the
USA after the war. One crewmember of 42-6368 was captured
the next day and moved to Ofuna POW Camp and later to Omori
POW Camp and returned to the USA after the war. One
crewmember of 42-6368 died of his wounds on 24 August 1944
at Kokura Army Hospital.
1st Lt. Jimmy Wine landed safely and escaped to the mountains.
He appeared at Ashiya Air Field on 31 August 1944 and fought
against the Japanese soldiers with his pistol and was shot to
death.
Crew
Capt. Ornell J. Stauffer – KIA
Lt. B.R. Bloom – KIA
Lt. A.C. Shott – POW – Liberated
T/Sgt. R.W. Bonner – KIA
S/Sgt. J.J. Karlovich – KIA
Sgt. R.J. Keelan – KIA
Lt. Jimmie Wind – KIA – 8/31/44
Lt. I.S. Newman – POW – Liberated
T/Sgt. W.A. Dansby – POW – Liberated
S/Sgt. C.A. Martin – KIA
S/Sgt. J.A. O’Brien – KIA
****One crewmember of 42-6368 listed as KIA above died of his
wounds on 8/24/44.
42-6334 – “Gertrude C” – 794th Bomb Squadron – Delivered to
USAAF on 2/4/44 – Model B-29-10-BW – Departed Smoky Hill for
India on 4/14/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on 5/4/44.
India Combat Missions – 2
Hump Missions – 5
August 20, 1944, Yawata Raid was rammed by a Japanese
fighter and crashed in Jinnohara, Orio-cho, Yawata City,
Fukuoka Prefecture.
On August 20, 1944, Col. Robert Clinksdales was leading his
four aircraft diamond formation in 42-6334, which was named
after his mother. 4th Sentai’s Sgt. Shigeo Nobe maneuvered his
Nick fighter into 42-6334 flight path. He banked the fighter to the
right so that his right wing came vertical to 42-6334 the fighter
sliced into 42-6334’s left wing between the tip and number one
engine. 42-6334 exploded in a fireball. The entire crew were KIA
along with Col. Clinksdales cocker spaniel, Sally, who was along
for the ride. Col. Clinksdale was the Commanding Officer of the
794th Bomb Squadron.
Crew
Lt. Col. R.S. Clinksdale – AC – KIA
Lt. D.A. Castleberry – KIA
Capt. G.S. Kadinger – KIA
Capt S.S. Smyth – KIA
Lt. D.E. Himage – KIA
M/Sgt. Loy. F. Baker – KIA
M/Sgt. W. Richards, Jr. – KIA
T/Sgt. J.T. Fitzpatrick – KIA
S/Sgt. P.S. Brouillard – KIA
M/Sgt. C.L. McHeny – KIA
Lt. D. Hamadi – KIA – 15th Maintenance Squadron an observer
Sally – KIA
_______________________________________________________
42-6365 – “General H. H. Arnold Special” – 794th Bomb Group –
Delivered to USAAF 0n 2/24/44 – Model B-29-15-BW – Departed
Smoky Hill for India on 4/14/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb
Group on 4/29/44.
India Combat Missions – 12
Hump Missions – 11
November 11, 1944, target the Omura Aircraft Factory.
From over the target 42-6365 reported that it was low on gas and
nothing further was heard from 42-6365. MACR 9664
42-6365 ended up in Vladivostok, Russia, the crew and 42-6365
were interned by the Russians and later released/escaped into
Iran. The crew never saw 42-6365 again.
Crew
Capt. Weston H. Price – AC – Interned – Released
1st Lt. John Flanagan – CP – Interned – Released
1st Lt. Eugene Rutherford – FE – Interned – Released
1st Lt. Melvin Sherer – N- Interned – Released
1st Lt, Edwin Morrison – B – Interned – Released
T/Sgt. David Pletter – RO – Interned – Released
T/Sgt. Henry J. Stavinski – R – Interned – Released
S/Sgt. Frank A. Weed – CFC – Interned – Released
S/Sgt. John Bardunias – RG – Interned – Released
M/Sgt. Donald Larkin – LG – Interned – Released
S/Sgt. Millard S. Cook – TG – Interned – Released
M/Sgt – Jack Hague – Crew Chief
42-6358 – “Ding Hao” – 794th Bomb Squadron – Delivered to
USAAF on 2/23/44 – Model B-29-15-BW – Departed Smoky Hill
for India on 4/14/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on
5/3/44.
India Combat Missions – 9
Hump Missions – 10
Interned Vladivostok, Russia from Omura on 11/21/44. MACR
9865
AC Misckish diverted to Vladivostok, Russia, from Omura with
minor battle damage and the crew and 42-6358 were interned by
the Russians. 42-6358 was never seen by the crew again. They
were released/escaped into Iran.
Crew
1st Lt. William J. Mickish – AC – Interned – Released
2nd Lt. John K. Schaefer – CP – Interned – Released
1st Lt. James W. Ward – FE – Interned – Released
1st Lt. Jack A. Diamond – N – Interned – Released
1st Lt. James R. Rutledge – B – Interned – Released
T/Sgt. William Mann – RO – Interned – Released
S/Sgt. Fred B. Brownwell - CFC – Interned – Released
S/Sgt. Herman K. Sigrist – RG – Interned - Released
S/Sgt. Edward J. Mertz – LG – Interned – Released
S/Sgt. Therman Hassinger – TG – Interned – Released
2nd Lt. William R. Arentsen – R – Interned – Released
_______________________________________________________
42-63357 – 794th Bomb Squadron – Delivered to the USAAF on
2/16/44 – Model B-29-1-BA – Departed Smoky Hill for India on
4/14/44 and crashed enroute to Kharagpur to join 468th Bomb
Group.
No Missions
42-63357 Commanded by Maj. Blackmore made a crash landing,
due to engine failure, at Karachi, India, April 21, 1944. Five were
KIA. The CP and RO were seriously injured and were returned to
the United States. Lt. E.A. Castleberry did an outstanding job
removing the men from 42-63357 in Karachi.
In May 1944, Lt. Castleberry was cited for outstanding
contribution to the Squadron who rendered a performance
“beyond the line of duty” at Karachi, India. He was
recommended by the Board of Awards and Decorations to
receive the “Soldiers Medal”
Crew
Maj. Earnest L. Blackmore – AC – KIA
Lt. E.A. Castleberry – CP
1st Lt. Roy H. Anderson – CP (2) – Seriously Injured
Lt. Paul A. Endlich – FE – KIA
2nd Lt. Richard McChesny – N – KIA
2nd Lt. Donald E. Baxter – B
S/Sgt. James R. Green – RO – Seriously injured
Cpl. Benjamin C. Ridgeway – CFC
S/Sgt. Gordon E. Prestebak – RG
Sgt. William C. Lester – LG – KIA
Sgt. Christopher D. Montagno – TG – KIA
Sgt. John Havey – R
M/Sgt. Willis A. White, Jr. – Crew Chief
_______________________________________________________
42-6370 – “Lethal Lady” – 793rd Bomb Squadron – Delivered to
the USAAF on 2/19/44 – Model B-29-15-BW – Departed Smoky
Hill for India on 4/10/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on
4/20/44.
India Combat Missions – 8
Hump Missions – 5
42-6370 lost on 11/5/44 mission to Singapore. MACR 9577.
42-6370 was Commanded by Col. Ted S. Faulkner, the
Commanding Officer of the 468th Bomb Group. Also on 42-6370
was 468th Bomb Group Bombardier Maj. Harve Johnson and
468th Bomb Group Navigator Major Robert T. Arnoldus. The loss
of these men who have contributed so much to the successful
operation of the Group has been felt by all personnel of the
Group.
Search planes were dispatched and Naval vessels in the area
were notified but no trace of the crew or 42-6370 was discovered
except reports from another B-29 seeing empty rafts at 42-6370
last location.
Crew
Col. Ted S. Faulkner – AC – 468th Group Commander – KIA
Lt. Ike Eigler – CP – KIA
Maj. Harve Johnson – N- 468th Bomb Group Navigator – KIA
Maj. Robert. T. Arnoldus – B – 468th Bomb Group Bombardier –
KIA
Lt. Pete Peterson – R – KIA
FO Ed Kennedy – FE – KIA
S/Sgt. Emerald T. Queen – TG – KIA
S/Sgt. Albert B. Gruber – RG - KIA
S/Sgt. Buster Westbrook – LG – KIA
Sgt. William Glibbon – RO – KIA
Sgt. Ward Miller – CFC – KIA
_______________________________________________________
42-93826 – 793rd Bomb Squadron – Delivered to USAAF on
2/29/44 – Model B-29-1-BN – Departed Smoky Hill for India on
4/13/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on 5/3/44.
Hump Missions – 1
June 15, 1944, Yawata Raid, 42-93826 and crew are reported
missing, although there were six locations which gave 42-93826
a position fix. 42-93826 and crew have not been heard from
since early morning of the 16th. MACR 6601.
In July 1944 it was reported that 42-93826 had crashed into a
mountain 200 miles from Chengtu, China, and the entire crew
were KIA and buried by the Chinese.
Crew
1st Lt. Richard M. Pilchard – AC – KIA
2nd Lt. Rai P. Sturges – CP – KIA
2nd Lt. John T. Roberts – N – KIA
2nd Lt. Donald R. Mortins – B – KIA
2nd Lt. Jack R. Bevan – FE – KIA
2nd Lt. H.B. Meyers – R – KIA
S/Sgt. Delbert L. Grimes – RO – KIA
Cpl. Lambert A. Pfeiffer – CFC – KIA
Sgt. Robert P. Sharples – RG – KIA
Sgt. Ralph V. Ferracane – LG – KIA
S/Sgt. William F. Quirke – TG – KIA
1st Lt. Henry Escher – Observer from XX Bomber Command –
KIA
_______________________________________________________
42-24469 – “Wham Bam” - 793rd Bomb Squadron – Delivered to
the USAAF on 5/19/44 – Model B-29-25-BW – Departed Morrison
for India on 8/14/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on
9/6/44.
India Missions – 17
Hump Missions – 6
On March 2, 1944, 42-24469 was hit by flak over the target.
Damage caused by antiaircraft fire, lost one engine which
feathered too far and wind milled in the opposite direction,
pressurization was lost and the crew was on oxygen over the
target, bombs would not release electrically or mechanically
over the target, a hole was punctured in the left horizontal
stabilizer 18 inches in diameter. Full rudder trim had to be set up
to keep 42-24469 stabilized, #2 and #3 engine throttles were out
due to linkage being torn away and the pilot’s manifold pressure
gauges were out. #1 and #2 carburetor air heat gauges and #1
and #3 cylinder head temperature gauges were destroyed on
flight engineer’s panel, flak punctured the navigator’s table, both
bomb bay tanks and passed completely through the upper front
turret and rear bomb bay, drift meter and radio compass were
knocked out.
42-24469 one hour away from target and over water, giving the
gas reserve and condition of 42-24469 was given the order for
the crew to bail out, bail out was at 2000 feet. 10 were rescued
and one crewmember MIA.
MACR 12874.
Crew
1st Lt. Ellestad – AC – Rescued
1st Lt. W.H. Willis – CP – Rescued
1st Lt. J.D. Burton – N – Rescued
1st Lt. E.H. Light – B – Rescued
1st Lt. S.G. Wolfe – FE – Rescued
T/Sgt. O.H. Ellenberger – R – Rescued
S/Sgt. P.R. Halliday – RO – Rescued
S/Sgt. H.A. Thomas – LG – Rescued
S/Sgt. J.W. Speer – TG – Rescued
S/Sgt. H.A. Peterson – CFC – Rescued
S/Sgt. Dean C. Clark – RG – MIA/KIA
_______________________________________________________
42-24704 – “The Gear Box” – 793rd Bomb Squadron – Delivered
to the USAAF on 9/8/44 – Model B29-45-BW – Departed Morrison
for India on 11/26/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on
12/5/44.
India Missions – 7
January 11, 1945, mission to Singapore 42-24704 Major
Humphrey’s crew with Lt. Col. Billings as copilot have been
listed as missing since the time their radio “bombs away”
message was received. It was reported that there were severe
and persistent fighter attacks to and from the target. A plane
from another Group reported seeing what he believed to be 4224704 from the 468th Bomb Group with one and possibly two
engines feathered 30 minutes past the target along the Malacca
Straits, the reporting aircraft request 42-24704 to join them but
no answer was received. MACR 10879.
42-24704 crashed in Malaya. Several crewmembers were killed
when 42-24704 was shot down or died of injuries shortly after
the crash. Several were captured by the Japanese and held in a
POW camp in Singapore for the remainder of the war. Four,
including Maj. Donald Humphrey, managed to evade capture and
spent time with a communist guerrilla band in Malaya, one of the
four died before the war ended, the others were not able to
return to US military control until after Japan’s surrender.
Those killed were Lt. Col. Robinson Billings, the mission
commander and Copilot of 42-24704, T/Sgt. M.A. Kundrat the
Radio Operator and Tailgunner S/Sgt. R.E. Spratt. Those
captured were 1st Lt. M.J. Govednik the Radar Observer, CFC
S/Sgt. J.A. McDonald, Left Gunner T/Sgt. H.D. Gillett and Right
Gunner T/Sgt. Ralph Lindley. Those evading capture were Major
Donald Humphrey the Aircraft Commander, Navigator Capt. C.A.
Hansman (who died before the war ended), Bombardier 1st Lt.
William Duffy and Flight Engineer 1st Lt. Earnest C. Saltzman.
Crew
Maj. Donald J. Humphrey – AC – Fought with guerrilla band
Lt. Col. Robinson Billings – CP – KIA
Capt. Carl A. Hansman – N – KIA fighting with guerrilla band
1st Lt. William F. Duffy – B – Fought with guerrilla band
1st Lt. Earnest E. Saltzman – Fought with guerrilla band
T/Sgt. Michael A. Kundrat – RO – KIA
1st Lt. Martin J. Govednik – R – POW
S/Sgt. John McDonald – CFC – POW
T/Sgt. Ralph C. Lindley – RG – POW
T/Sgt. Harold D. Gillett – LG – POW
S/Sgt. Roulier E. Spratt – TG – KIA
42-6389 “Party Girl” – 792nd Bomb Squadron – Delivered to
USAAF on 3/2/44 – Model B-29-15-BW – Departed Smoky Hill for
India on 4/10/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on 4/21/44.
India Combat Missions – 8
Hump Missions – 5
December 7, 1944, mission to the Mukden aircraft factory from
forward base in China. MACR 10100.
42-6389 failed to return from the mission and was contacted 1
hour and 15 minutes from A-7. The element leader contacted 426389 and told A/C Lt. Lyons to break up formation in order to
start descent through the undercast. 42-6389 answered back and
started a 360 degree turn, which is normal procedure for aircraft
flying in the #3 position. The element leader started a descend
into the undercast but upon finding that ice was beginning to
form on the wings very quickly decided to climb above the
undercast and make a quick descent in the general area of A-7.
42-6389 was never seen again after starting the 360 degree turn.
Crew
1st Lt. Calvin L. Lyons – AC – KIA
2nd Lt. Lawrence Sybesma – CP – KIA
1st Lt. Waldo B. Schneider – N – KIA
1st Lt. John A. Bucher – B – KIA
1st Lt. James W. Smith – FE – KIA
S/Sgt. Joseph Micciche – RO – KIA
S/Sgt. Neuman A. Bodart – R – KIA
S/Sgt. William B. Jackson – CFC – KIA
S/Sgt. Sisto A. Aldieri – LG – KIA
S/Sgt. Lavern A. Fink – RG – KIA
S/Sgt. Russell W. Peters – TG – KIA
42-24494 – “Mary Ann” – 792nd Bomb Squadron – Delivered to
USAAF on 5/13/44 – Model B-29-30-BW – Departed Morrison for
India on 7/3/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on 7/19/44.
India Combat Missions – 16
Hump Missions – 12
January 17, 1945, mission to Formosa.
42-24494 had an engine failure immediately after take off. When
just over the edge of the field on the final approach 42-24494 had
a runaway prop, forcing the plane to overshoot it’s landing.
Major McPherson, A/C, attempted to salvo his bombs “safe”
from an altitude of 250 feet but the bombs exploded upon hitting
the ground, damaging the control cables. All of the crew bailed
out, but four members were killed due to the fact that their
chutes did not open in time. Three of these four men fell on a
high hill, precluding any chance of their chutes having time to
open.
Crew
Maj. Clarence C. McPherson – AC
1st Lt. Martin D. Roe - N
1st Lt. D.V. Irby – KIA
1st Lt. S.E. Gray – KIA
S/Sgt. R. Wilson – KIA
S/Sgt. William H. Shaw – KIA
_______________________________________________________
42-6408 “Reddy Teddy” – 792nd Bomb Squadron – Delivered to
USAAF on 3/29/44 – Model B-29-20-BW – Departed Smoky Hill
for India on 6/5/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on
6/25/44.
India Combat Missions – 3
Hump Missions – 5
August 20, 1944, mission to Yawata, hit by flak and attacked by
Japanese fighter who gave position to ground what altitude then
peeled away. 42-6408 had an explosion near the front as it was
hit by flak, 42-6408 was on fire and going down and the crew
bailed out. MACR 9687.
42-6408 crashed in Saienba, Kokura City, Fukuoka Prefecture, 3
crewmembers were KIA and 8 crewmembers were POW’s. Seven
were moved to Tokyo and imprisoned in Omori POW Camp and
returned to the United States after the war. 2nd Lt. Edward
Roberts died of his wounds at Shimonseki Army Hospital on
August 21, 1944, after being mistreated with serious wounds.
Crew
1st Lt. Ernest A. Pickett – AC – POW – Liberated
2nd Lt. William R. Rewitz – CP – POW – Liberated
2nd Lt. Harrison Robins – N – Possible POW died in captivity
2nd Lt. Edwin S. Roberts – B – POW – Died in captivity
F/O Mark S. Kennard – FE – POW – Liberated
2nd Lt. Robert M. Humphrey – R – POW – Liberated
S/Sgt. Charles Kazarian – RO – POW – Liberated
S/Sgt. Robert C. Armstrong – CFC – POW – Liberated
S/Sgt. Richard R. Bishop – RG – POW – Liberated
S/Sgt. Samuel M. Henry – LG – KIA
S/Sgt. Samuel A. Nixon – TG – KIA
_______________________________________________________
42-24504 – “Gunga Din” – 792nd Bomb Squadron – Delivered to
the USAAF on 6/3/44 – Model B-29-30-BW – Departed Morrison
for India on 7/23/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on
8/27/44.
India Combat Missions – 4
Hump Missions – 2
Omura raid October 25, 1944.
42-24504 A/C Major Parsons, crashed approximately one minute
after take off. All crewmembers were KIA and 42-24504 was a
total loss. Capt. Harold Barber accompanied Major Parsons and
crew for a checkout mission, he had just arrived from the States
with a new plane and crew. Takeoff was at night so to arrive over
Omura in the early hours of daylight
Crew
Maj. Edward F. Parsons – AC – KIA
Capt. Harold W. Barber – CP – KIA
1st Lt. Arglllyle E. Hanscom – N – KIA
2nd Lt. Franklin J. McDonald – B – KIA
2nd Lt. Boyd W. Ebel – FE – KIA
Sgt. Louis L. Pfeifer – RO – KIA
Cpl. Wallace E. Martin – CFC – KIA
S/Sgt. Warren F. Wood – RG – KIA
S/Sgt. John Fowler – LG – KIA
T/Sgt. Paul H. Coburn – R – KIA
S/Sgt. Rube E. Puckett, Jr. – TG – KIA
42-6356 – “Gusher” – 792nd Bomb Squadron – Delivered to
USAAF on 2/23/44 – Model B-29-15-BW – Departed Smoky Hill
for India on 4/10/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on
5/9/44.
Hump Missions – 20
August 25, 1944, Capt. Winkler and a crew of 6 delivered fuel to
China in 42-6356. During their return they had a runaway prop,
causing them to bail out near Sikang. All are reported safe at
Fulin with 2 of the crew with minor injuries.
Capt. Winkler, F/O Thompson and S/Sgt. Stone returned to base
in September 1944. The rest of the crew were forced to remain in
Fulin, China due to transportation difficulties.
Crew
Capt. Winkler – AC
F/O Thompson
S/Sgt. Stone
_______________________________________________________
42-24446 – 792nd Bomb Group – Delivered to the USAAF on
5/9/44 – Model FB-29-25-BW – Departed Morrison for India on
6/18/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on 6/30/44.
India Combat Missions – 4
Photo Missions – 7
Photo Reconn B-29. Returning from a photo recon on October
20, 1944, from the Philippines prior to McArthur’s “Return”, fog
in Chengtu area, 42-2446 runs out of gas trying to find the
airfield.
Crewmembers that bailed out safely reported the #1 engine had
been feathered. On final approach #4 engine caught on fire, the
order to bail out was given by Capt. Lindke and Lt. Wilson,
S/Sgt. Christensen, S/Sgt. Rupp who happened to be riding in
the front of 42-24446 jumped safely through the nose wheel well.
Lt. Ramsey left in the same manner and S/Sgt. Tucker left
through the rear hatch, but both suffered a similar fate when
their parachutes caught fire from the burning engine. All other
crewmembers were lost in the crash. Cpl. Hastings, the
photographer, who had been riding in the front of 42-24446
escaped through the nose wheel well.
Crew
Capt. Paul Lindke – AC – KIA
1st. Lt. Charles Youmans – CP – KIA
Lt. Milton W. Ramsey – FE – KIA
2nd Lt. Roy D. Houser – N – KIA
Lt. William Wilson – B
S/Sgt. Donald L. Christensen – RO
S/Sgt. Donald V. Wagner – R – KIA
S/Sgt. William R. Hampton – CFC – KIA
S/Sgt. Claude V. Tucker – RG – KIA
S/Sgt. Arthur H. Stein – LG – KIA
S/Sgt. Albert Rupp – TG
Cpl. Hastings – Photographer
42-24678 – “Kickapoo Lou” – 792nd Bomb Squadron – Delivered
to the USAAF on 8/31/44 – Model B-29-45-BW – Departed
Morrison for India on 11/30/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb
Group on 12/13/44.
India Combat Missions – 9
Hump Missions – 1
March 2, 1945, mission to the Singapore Naval Base. 42-24678
was hit by flak over the primary target and went down in flames,
the crew bailed out. Fighter opposition was moderate but the
flak was intense and accurate. Two heavy cruisers were in the
Jahore Straits together with ground batteries they threw up
predicted concentration at every formation.
Crew
Capt. Edward G. Millar – AC – POW
2nd Lt. Carl F. Moulton – CP – POW
1st Lt. Robert E. Presender – N – POW
1st Lt. Lucius Beebe – B – POW
F/O Bernard G. Feigener – FE – POW
S/Sgt. Jasper F. Byerly – RO – POW
S/Sgt. Thomas Goodger – CFC – MIA
S/Sgt. John S. Gibson – RG – POW
T/Sgt. Clarence M. Newcome – R – POW
S/Sgt. Frank Hillebrand – LG – POW
S/Sgt. Morris J. Shrader – TG – POW
42-63395 – 792nd Bomb Squadron – Delivered to the USAAF on
5/31/44 – Model B-29-10-BA – Departed Morrison for India on
8/31/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on 9/15/44.
India Combat Missions – 7
Hump Missions – 1
December 7, 1944, crashed returning from Mukden.
42-63395, Capt. Martin’s crew crashed upon landing from the
Mukden mission. As 42-63395 approached the field, A-7, the
nose section was completely iced up and 42-63395 was very low
on gas. 42-63395 fell from about 40 feet, the right wing sagged,
hitting the ground and causing 42-63395 to swerve off the
runway to the right. Two crewmembers were sustained slight
injuries. 42-63395 was a complete wreck.
Crew
Capt. Martin – AC
42-6390 – “Gallopin’ Goose” – 794th Bomb Squadron – Delivered
to the USAAF on 3/4/44 – Model B-29-15-BW – Departed Smoky
Hill for India on 4/13/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on
5/4/44.
India Combat Missions – 10
Hump Missions – 5
December 7, 1944, 42-6390 was rammed over Mukden. MACR
10101.
S/Sgt William Wootten in his claim of the Japanese fighter that
rammed 42-6390 described the scene: “The fighter came in at us
low and I gave him 50 rounds when he was 400 yards away. The
fighter’s right engine started smoking and burning. Sgt. Wootten
saw pieces of the canopy fly off. Going down out of control and
smoking profusely, the fighter then pulled up and slipped under
42-6390, hitting the left horizontal and vertical stabilizer of 426390 tearing them off. I saw one parachute come out of 42-6390
before it hit the ground.
About 15 minutes from the target, Sgt. Shinobu Ikeda of the 25th
Dokuritsu Chutai, flying a “Nick” made a tail run against “Windy
City II” 42-24886 and gunners hit the right engine of the twin
engine interceptor and set it on fire, they also shattered the
canopy. Sgt. Ikeda dived down, regained control of his fighter
and intentionally rammed the tail section of 42-6390 and 42-6390
went straight down.
Crew
Capt. Robert E. Parrish – AC – KIA
1st Lt. Adrian A. Walters – CP – KIA
1st Lt. R.H. Roseland – N – KIA
1st Lt. Patrick E. Collins – B – KIA
FO W.M. Barber – B – KIA
Sgt. Joseph M. Clarke – R – KIA
S/Sgt. John Lopez – RO – KIA
S/Sgt. F.S. Mac Issac – CFC – KIA
S/Sgt. H.A. Moorhead – LG – KIA
S/Sgt. R.J. Turner – RG – KIA
S/Sgt. R.J. Pope – TG – POW/Liberated
42-6369 – 793rd Bomb Squadron – Delivered by the USAAF on
2/21/44 – Model B-29-15-BW – Departed Smoky Hill for India on
4/13/44 and crashed enroute to India at Karachi on 4/21/44.
Crashed enroute to India at Karachi on 4/21/44 trying to land in
dust storm.
Darden - AC
42-24715 – 794th Bomb Squadron – Delivered to the USAAF on
9/14/44 – Model B-29-45-BW – Departed Morrison for India on
11/24/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on 12/5/44.
India Combat Missions - 1
Rammed at Mukden on 12/21/44. MACR 10592.
42-24715 was commanded by Capt. Charles Benedict and was
rammed over Mukden on 12/21/44. Capt. Goodrich’s crew flying
close to 42-24715 described the ramming: “The Japanese fighter
was making a head on attack on 42-24715 and hit her just
inboard of #1 engine. The last thing we saw was the wing on 4224715 folding back. One parachute was seen before the crash.
The Japanese pilot was 2nd Lt. Tahei Matsumoto, flying for the
Manchurian Air Force.
42-24715’s Bombardier, Lt. Daily and the Navigator Lt. Evans
had married twin sisters, both of whom had babies in the
summer of 1944.
Crew
Capt. Charles C. Benedict – AC – KIA
1st Lt. Robert A. Baer – CP – KIA
1st Lt. Tom C. Evans – N – KIA
1st Lt. Warren D. Dailey – B- KIA
1st Lt. Arthur R. Mahoney – FE – KIA
1st Lt. Jack L. Roberts – R – KIA
S/Sgt. Elbert L. Edwards – RO – POW – Liberated
S/Sgt. Charles A. Versafsky – CFC – KIA
S/Sgt. Elmer Telgernuis – RG – KIA
S/Sgt. Stanley J. Berger – LG – KIA
T/Sgt. Carl J. Drummond – TG – KIA
42-24706 – 794th Bomb Squadron – Delivered to the USAAF on
9/12/44 – Model B-29-45-BW – Departed Morrison for India on
10/28/44 and gained by the 468th Bomb Group on 11/13/44.
No Missions
42-24706 arrived from the United States on 11/13/44 and Lt. Col.
Phillip Hennin were flying her for bomb practice 15 days later on
11/28/44. As 42-24706 approached Halliday Island for the bomb
run, #3 engine was in flames, possibly due to a fuel line failure.
42-24707 advised everyone that he was heading back to the
base, not far away. The nose wheel was lowered manually, it
would make a good escape hatch if needed. Within two minutes
the right wing, weaken by fire, suddenly folded over into the
fuselage, with 42-24706 out of control and badly damaged,
crewmembers in the front were unable to bail out, a few in the
back managed to bail out.
A technical representative and 1st Lt. Robert Wilson, a
Bombardier were also aboard 42-24706. MACR 10043
Crew
Lt. Col. Phillip F. Hennin – AC – KIA
1st Lt. John Sheenan – CP – KIA
FO Michael Kawalsky – FE – KIA
Capt. Otis Carey – N – KIA
1st Lt. Roscoe Schultz – B – KIA
S/Sgt. Walter Bianco RO – KIA
S/Sgt. Edward H. Salisbury – CFC
S/Sgt. Paul R. Rogus – RG – KIA
S/Sgt. Robert J. Metzger – LG
1st Lt. Marion E. King – R
S/Sgt. George L. Dilloway – TG
1st Lt. Robert Wilson – Passenger – KIA
George R. Tarr – Tech Representative – KIA
_______________________________________________________
468th Bomb Group CBI Losses List compiled by:
Sparky Corradina and Jody Smith
Sources and Acknowledgements:
James Pattillo
Lew Meeks
Toru Fukubayashi
Ya Hayashi
The Story of The “Billy Mitchell Group”
B-29 Hunters of the JAAF by Henry Sakaida and Koji Takaki
Proof of Night by K.P. Burke
USAAF B-29 Record Cards Maxwell AAF