REPORT NO. IR-3478-55

PAGE 6 OF 44 PAGES

AVERY, Charles T. Category #5, B-9, (Missing 7 Apr 51)

T/Sgt

AF 39278136

From: 307 BW, Cite: 307 BWK 0577, 7 Apr 51): The aircraft apparently exploded in mid-air without warning at 1040 hours, at coordinates (3905N/12501E). Three or four parachuted from the aircraft. 2nd Lt Shallenberger was apparently the only survivor, Returned to Military Control. The officer states that he did not, see any of the others who parachuted into the water.

BEARDALL, Harold M. Category #2, B-26, (Missing 21 May 51)

Capt

AO 779375

(From: 6004th CR-T-1-J, 8 Aug 53, Subj: Personnel not Released): He has not been seen since Oct. 51.

(From: 6004th, AISS, CR-T-2-T, 10 Aug 53, Subj: Personnel not Released): He was last seen :in Nov 51. He was held separately from other Air Force 'PsW and remained at the interrogation point after other PsW were moved to Cp #2.

(From: 6064th AISS, CRI-108G, Subj: Personnel not Released): "His name was given to Source to memorize and turn after prisoner exchange. this name came from Hospital Records (Chinese) of officers being interrogated. Names were observed on walls, in the Village at Camp #2. Hospital information might be inaccurate but names of this type we feel are alive."

(From: 6004th AISS, CRI-127B, Subj: Personnel not Released): Source "No, I haven't been able to hear of him, haven't seen him since 23 Sep. 51. He was tried as a war criminal. Physical description: 5'7", 150 lbs, dark complexion, black hair, dark eyes."

(From: 6004th AISS, CIR-160E, Subj: Personnel not Released): The source states that Capt Beardall was last seen by Lt. Knego Capt Hearns (USAF) west of Pyongyang and having a rough got with Korean interrogators. (Date of report, Sep 53; Date of observation, not given).

(From: TWX RDAG 9-26 and RDAG 9-021 Sep 53): Named on the Neilsen-Henderson list of persons observed alive.

BELL, Donald E. Category 2, B-26, (Missing 26 Jan 52)

1st Lt

AO 814007

(From: 3d -Bomb Wg, Cite: 93 BG, 25 Jan 52, D/I 02694, AG #03822): F-3 aircraft departed K-8 on a briefed mission to green 8. The aircraft Contacted Dentist inbound to the target at 2350. The last contact was with lighting bug X-ray at 0105, in the area are immediately south of Pyongyang.

REPORT NO. IR-3478-55

PAGE 7 OF 44 PAGES

(*): Friendly aircraft heard Lt. Armel (crew member) call by radio at 0105 hours on 26 Jan that the aircraft was then at coordinates (YD 4115). He stated that he was going to attack some lights that had been sighted.

(From: 6004th AISS, Cite: Det #2, 38-3-53, 4 Mar 53, F-3): On 31 Jan 52, 2330 hours, a two-engined aircraft crashed at (XC 809358), near Changyon, North Korea. It was believed that this aircraft was American. The aircraft completely destroyed. The pilot and crew, consisting of three three men, were killed instantly; all that remained was three pistols, one wrist watch, and pieces of army boots. These along with fragments of the aircraft were taken to the Changyon Police Station. The cause of the crash was believed to be engine trouble.

(From: 6004th AISS, CRT-10-EE, Sep 53, Subj: Personnel not Released): He was awaiting repatriation at Keasong at the time source was released.

BELL, William J. Category #2, B-26, (Missing 7 Oct 52)

2nd Lt

22108A

(From 452 Bom Wg, Cite: PRM 128-K, 7 Oct 52, AG #44065, D/I #25128): The missing aircraft was flying as lead bomber of a formation on a light bombing mission. The aircraft was was last seen at (CT 0570) when it struck the ground and was completely enveloped in flames. No signs of life were observed, friendly or enemy. No parachutes were observed at anytime prior to the crash. The aircraft was apparently damaged by flack.

(From: TWX RDAG 9-26 and RDAG 9-021, Sep 53): He was listed as awaiting repatriation in Kaesong (Sep 53), on the Neilsen-Henderson list.

BIGHAM, Donald G. Category #4, B- 29, (Missing 9 Nov 51)

Capt

AO 767469

(From: 98th Bomb Wg, 9 Nov 51, Cite: PDG 7303, D/I 38469, AG #56325): The aircraft sustained flak damage while on a combat leaflet mission over Korea. The entire crew bailed out with Capt Bigham bailing out tenth over Paengnyong-Do at coordinates (XC 6005). Eleven crew members were rescued. Capt Bigham was still missing.

BIRD, Robert J. Category #5, B-29, (Missing 19 Nov 52)

Capt

AO 793217

(*): The aircraft was on a combat bombing mission on Sonchon supply dump, North Korea. As the 3rd flare was dropped, 20 search lights were locked on the B-29. Approximately two minutes later, four bursts of fire were received and hits made on No. 2 and No. 3 engines, which had to be feathered out,: and on the wing between the fuselage. and No. 3 engine causing fire to start. Four parachutes were sighted at different locations inland from Cho-do- Island. A flight of F-51s discovered a parachute hanging in a tree in the vicinity of coordinates (SC 7273) about 100 ft. in-

REPORT NO. IR-3478-55

PAGE 8 OF 44 PAGES

land. Two of the crew members were rescued and the remains of two other crew members were recovered from the sea.

(From: 6004th AISS, Det #2, Downed Aircraft Report No. 92): The. aircraft t was placed under attack by enemy night fighters at Sonchon (XE 6307). An emergency call was sent. out at 0100 stating that the aircraft had lost two engines The aircraft commander bailed out and landed on the island of Cho-do (XC5563), and he stated that he was the last one to leave the aircraft. Parachutes were observed on the ground at (XC 7173), (XC 675506), (XC 665485 and (XC 645660). A white parachute was observed approximately 75 yards from the shoreline at (XC 7172). It appeared to be attached to a ten-man life raft.

BOLT, Donald D. Category #3, F-51, (Missing 2 Oct 50)

1st Lt

AO 873772

(From: Hq USAF AFPMP-12-E-3, NR: AFPMP-12-B-3. Case :#44, 3 Jul 51): Location: 39/08 N - 125/38 E. The aircraft made a forced landing in a rice paddy, approximately eight miles north of Pyongyang, Korea. The pilot was seen to survive the landing. He remained near the aircraft until darkness waiting for a helicopter which apparently never arrived.

BRENNAN, John C. Category #2, B-26, (Missing 14 Nov 52)

A/3C

AF 11227081

(*): The aircraft was on a night interdiction mission over North Korea. The last radio contact was at 0015 hours when the aircraft was given directions for a Tadpole mission. Radar and VHF contact was normal until 0032 hours when the aircraft faded from the scope at coordinates (BT6563). Fire was reported on the ground at (BT 6563) but it could not be identified as one caused by a downed aircraft.

(From: 6004th AISS, RPW Rpt No. 4554, Part I Phase III): The pilot of the B-26 was Returned to Military Control and stated that he felt his crew was still alive because in some instances he saw evidence of pieces of E & E equipment characteristic of his own crew. Source's interrogator had knowledge of mission performed and other operations that could only be gained through interrogation of other crew members.

(From: TWX RDAG 9-26 and TWX 9-021, Sept 53): He was listed as awaiting repatriation in Kaesong (Sep 53), on the Neilsen-Henderson list.

BUCKNER, John L. Category #5 B-29, (Missing 7 Apr 51)

1st Lt

AO 831352

(From: 307 BW, Cite: 307 BWK 0577, 7 Apr 51): The aircraft apparently exploded in mid-air without warning at 1040 hours, at coordinates (3905N/12502E). Three or four parachuted from the aircraft. 2nd Lt. Shallenberger was apparently the only survivor, Returned to

REPORT NO. IR-3478-55

PAGE 9 OF 44 PAGES

Military Control. The officer states that he did not see any of the others who parachuted into the water.

BURRELL, Jackson A Category #5, B-26 (Missing 6 Jun 52)

Capt

AO 2081396

(From: 5th Air Force, Cite: INC 673, Ag #23961, D/I #15247, 7 Jun. 52): At the last contact, the aircraft was on fire at coordinates (XD 6050). The crew was believed to have bailed out.

BURTON, Woodrow Category #3, F-51 (Missing 2 Oct 50)

Capt

AO 210608

(From: FEAF Combat Operation Center, Tel Rpt): The aircraft was hit by enemy fire over Tongyong-ni. The pilot bailed out and landed safely approximately 1 1/2 miles NE of Pyongayang, Korea, (3904N/12556E). The wing man circled the area for approximately ten minutes. Six North Korean Army men dressed in white were seen to surround the pilot. The pilot waved to the wingman, indicating he was alright. Nor resistance by the pilot to the Koreans and not hostile acts on the part of the Koreans was observed. It was believed that the officer was taken prisoner.

BUSHROE, Sterling J. Category #4 F-80C (Missing 11 Sep 51)

1st Lt

AO 1911963

(From: 8th Ftr-Bmr Wg, FBW 1 1935D 11 Sep 51): As the flight was pulling off the target, they were attacked by a flight of four MIGs. Lt. Bushroe's aircraft was hit on the first pass and he was observed by the number three man to bail out. The flight was unable to locate him after he landed. The approximate coordinates are (3907N/12553E).

(From: Det #2, 6004th AISS 306-7-52, 17 Jul 52, F-3): The source observed one UN pilot in a dive at (YD 240003). This pilot crashed near (YD 385220) during the early part of Sep 51 and lived in this cave of 23 days, with two friendly North Korean civilians. The pilot said that he could not stand the air in the cave any longer and that he was going to leave. he left the cave and was captured by CCF personnel. The pilot was taken to an unknown location in Pyongyang.

CAVE, JAMES A. Category #5, B-26 (Missing 6 Jun 52)

A/2C

AF 13411410

(From: 5th Air Force, Cite: INC 673, AG #23961, D/I #15247, 7 Jun 52): At the last contact, the aircraft was on fire coordinates (XD 6050). The crew was believed to have bailed out.

CHERRY, Clarence M. Category #3 B-29 (Missing 9 Sep 50)

S/Sgt

AF 19203103

(*): The aircraft was damaged by enemy flak and crashed approximately 23 miles north of Pyongyang. Five parachutes were reported to have left the aircraft and landed on the ground at approximate coordinates (3926N/12544B).

REPORT NO. IR-3478-55

PAGE 10 OF 44 PAGES

A report reveals that in Nov 50, the wreckage of the B-29 was located in the same general area where it had previously been reported last. Interrogation of local residents and careful investigation by GRS resulted in the recovery of what was believed to be the remains of five crew members of the aircraft. Of this number three of the bodies were found by the site of the crash and another near Pyongyang. No positive identification could be made and a group burial was made. Burial site: Pyongyang cemetery, Plot 1, Row 7, Grave 15.

(From: ATIS Rpt KT 1761, Date Unk 1950): Information from a North Korean army POW stated that he witnessed the cash and that some POWs were taken. Later information from natives was as follows: "Two crew members were taken to a civilian hospital One was dead on arrival, the other was taken from the hospital by North Korean forces. He used the name Jerry or Cherry."

CLOVER, Melvin E. Category #4, F-84, (Missing 14 Oct 52)

lst Lt

AO 1858509

(*): Lt. Clover was on an interdiction mission at coordinates (CU 322673). Upon pulling off target, his aircraft had a flameout. Attempted air starts were unsatisfactory and the pilot elected to eject himself from the aircraft. The canopy of his aircraft was seen to come off and his last radio transmission was, "Well, here I go, this is a fine birthday present." He was not definitely seen to eject before the aircraft crashed, wings level, at a 20 degree angle at (CU 480620).

COGSWELL, Robert W. Category #5, B-29, (Missing 23 Oct. 51)

Capt

11889A

(Retained in active file because five members of the crew were Returned to Military Control on Big Switch. Two members of the crew were Killed in Action.)

(From: 307 Bm Wg, Cite; 307 BWK 2943 and 2931, AG #53591 and 53756, D/I #36728 and .36850, 25 Oct .51): The aircraft was flying in formation after bombs away at (3955N/12412E) at approximately 0500 hours, 23 Oct 51, when fire developed in the left wing at No. 2 engine as a result of damages inflicted by enemy fighter gunfire. The aircraft was last seen approximately five minutes later descending and still burning, headed southwest toward the yellow Sea, apparently under control.

COLLINS, Joseph S. Category #5, B-26, (Missing 2 Sep 51)

Capt

AO 8071524

(From: 3rd Bm Wg, Cite: 1340 3 BG, 2 Sep 51): The last known contact was when the pilot gave a position report going into the target area. At 0248 hours, Skillful 14 reported a spiral descending ball of fire that exploded and burned on contact with the ground. At the same time the pilot observed one descending parachute.

REPORT NO. IR-3478-55

11 OF 44 PAGES

Croft, George Jr. Category #3, F-84E, (Missing 14 Apr 52)

1st Lt.

AO 2080513

(From: 136 Ftr-Bmr Wg, Cite: FWB 91K, 14 Apr 52): The target was a railroad bridge at (YC 4026). No one in the flight actually saw the pilot crash, but an explosion was observed at (YC 401270). A parachute was observed extended on the ground approximately 50 yards ahead of the aircraft. The aircraft was completely destroyed.

CROSLEY, Robert M. Category #4, F80, (Missing 5 Feb 53)

1st Lt

AO 2223682

(From: 8th Ftr Wg, Cite: FBWD 354 B, AG #B 1265, D/I 02612, 5 Feb 53): Lt Crosley was on a single aircraft mission. Upon pulling off the target, he established radio contact with ground control and requested a steer and stated that he had been hit. At approximately 0539 hours, he stated that he had sighted a friendly island and was going to lose some altitude prior to bailing out. Approximately one minute later he was heard to say, "I am leaving now."

CRUTCHFIELD, James F. Category #3, F-80 (Missing 23 Jul 52)

Major

AO 736133

(From: 5th AF, Cite: INC 909, AG #31686, D/I #19331, 24 Jul 52): The pilot of the aircraft bailed out and was observed to strike the ground apparently uninjured at (3905N/12729E). The pilot was observed rolling up his parachute and walking from the area.

(AIIR Det #2, 6004th AISS Report No. 316-8-52): At 1400 hours 26 Jul 52, UN Jet aircraft attacked an enemy gun position consisting of four AA guns as (CU 675209). One of the aircraft was hit by gunfire and crashed at (CU 689280). The pilot bailed out and struck the ground at (CU 671200) and was found dead. A radio was found on his person and confiscated. It was believed that the pilot took poison.

(From: FRU/FEC 8809, 14 Nov 52, C-3, J-1251, (CU 692260), Death of a United States Pilot): On 23 Jul 52, a US aircraft shot down by the Independent Anti-Aircraft Battalion, 3rd Div, crashed at (CU 692260), north of Suryo-ri (6925). The pilot parachuted to the ground near the plane and was captured by North Korean Troops from the 19th Anti-Aircraft Regiment. The pilot was taken to the Headquarters of the REgiment and turned over to an officer and three privates from the Independent Anti-Aircraft Battalion to be taken to Battalion Hq. On the way the pilot died. he was buried at (CU 677221), southwest of Suryo-ri.

DAVIS, Ramon R. Category #3, F-51, (Missing 5 Oct 50)

lst Lt

AO 767144

(From: Hq USAF AFPMP-12E-3, Case #49, 6 Oct 50): The aircraft was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire while on a

REPORT NO. IR-3478-55

PAGE 12 OF 44 PAGES

reconnaissance mission, at approximately (3910N/12558E). The pilot headed south until his engine failed, and then bellied in along the Taedone River. The pilot got out of the aircraft and started walking east, toward some hills.

DeGOLYER, David E. Category #5 B-29, (Missing 7 Apr 51)

Sgt

AF 142741l2

(From: 307 BW, Cite: 307 BWK 0577, dtd 7 Apr 51): .The aircraft apparently exploded in mid-air without warning at 1040 hours, at coordinates (3905N/12501E). three or four parachuted from the aircraft, 2nd Lt. Shallenberger was apparently the only survivor, Returned to Military Control. The officer states that he did not see any of the others who parachuted into the water.

DENN, Willard M.Category #5, B-29, (Missing 28 Feb 52)

A/2C

AF 16329167

(*): The aircraft experienced mechanical difficulty over North Korea. Seven crew members were Returned to Military Control, one was killed by enemy fire while attempting to return to friendly lines, and the fate of the other four is still undetermined. (Of the four "undetermined", referenced above, one was Returned to Military control, one is dead, the remaining two are listed in this report. A/2C Denn and 1st Lt. Nelson.)

DIFFER, Patrick M. Category #3 B-29, (Missing 30 Dec 52)

M/Sgt

AF 13021311

(Retained in active file because five member of the crew have been returned to Military Control. One member of the crew was KIA.)

(From: 28th Bomb Sq. 19th Bomb Gp. Cite: 19th BG 4438, 28th Bomb Sq. AG #L 8264, D/I #31049, 30 Dec 52): The aircraft took off at 1627 hours from Kadena Air Base for a combat mission over North Korea. The aircrafts were attacked by enemy aircraft and crashed approximately ten miles northeast of Pyongyang, (YD 4537). the number of survivors, if any was unknown.

(From: FEAF Bom Com, Cite: BC 5116, AG #00879, D/I #00415, 6 Jan 53): The subject aircraft was observed under attack just prior to bombs away. Information gathered from radio contact, indicates that the aircraft sustained major damage after turn off target at 2130/I. One engine was out and the No. 4 engine was on fire. At approximately 2142/I, several crew members were seen to bail out, (the exact number was unknown), as reported by an escorting F-3D. the aircraft crashed and burned.