JOHNSON, Clarence R, Second Lieutenant, 431st Bomber Squadron, 11th Bomber Group, Heavy, U.S. Army Air Forces, Service# 0-726027, Enl: Colorado, d. 1-Dec-1942
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B-17F-20-BO "Omar Khayyam/The Plastered Bastard" Serial Number 41-24534
Pilot Captain Willis E. Jacobs, O-417147 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) AL
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Stanley H. Sommers, O-726839 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) IL
Crew 2nd Lt Clarence R. Johnson, O-726027 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) CO
Crew 2nd Lt William S. Jackimczyk, O-790138 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) MA
Crew SSgt Eino S. Hamalainen, 7071265 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) NY
Crew Sgt Delos J. Tuffey, 6974406 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) NY
Crew Cpl Clair W. Glover, 39307060 5th BG, 31st BS (MIA / KIA) Cheshire, OR
Crew Cpl Ray Lindamood, 15070408 5th BG, 31st BS (MIA / KIA) OH
Crew Pfc Arthur L. Lemar, 32222652 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) NY
Crew Cpl Joseph E. Hartman, 14055854 (survived) Birmingham, AL
Crashed December 1, 1942
MACR 16444
Aircraft History
Built by Boeing at Seattle. Constructors Number 3219. On July 29, 1942 delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-17F-20-BO Flying Fortress 41-24534. Assigned to pilot Lt. Edwin C. McAnelly. Nicknamed "Omar Khayyam".
Wartime History
On September 5, 1942 took off from Hamilton Field on a ferry flight via Hickam Field then across the Pacific bound for Australia. While in New Caledonia, this B-17 was assigned to the 11th Bombardment Group. Disobeying orders, McAnelly instead flew to Brisbane, and the next day to Torrens Creek Airfield. Instead, this B-17 was assigned to the 43rd Bombardment Group (43rd BG), 403rd Bombardment Squadron (403rd BS).
When officials caught up with this B-17 and it was removed from the squadron and reassigned to the 13th Air Force (13th AF), 11th Bombardment Group (11th BG), 98th Bombardment Squadron (98th BS). Nicknamed "The Plastered Bastard".
On October 4, 1942 this B-17 flew its first combat mission in the Solomon Islands.
Mission History
On December 1, 1942 at 05:30am took off from Henderson Field on Guadalcanal piloted by Captain Willis E. Jacobs and a crew from the 431st BS with two crew from the 5th BG, 31st BS on a photo reconnaissance and search mission over over sector 3V40 the southern end of Bougainville. The weather was reported as fair.
Returning from the mission, while flying at 17,000', intercepted by six A6M Zeros at approximately 1:00pm over Cape Friendship. The crew claimed two shot down, and that the others departed. Another seven Zeros intercepted over the northern end of Choiseul. Six circled and maneuvered out of range of the bomber's guns.
Over New Georgia, a seventh unseen Zero dove at the nose and dropped four aerial bombs that were ineffective. The same Zero continued to dive and collided with the the B-17's behind the radio compartment and broke the bomber into two pieces. The front half caught fire and all aboard perished.
Fates of the Crew
The rear half descended in almost perfect equilibrium, knocking Cpl Joseph E. Hartman briefly unconscious. When he awoke, he opened the escape hatch and bailed out around 2,000' and again blacked out. Awakening again, he slipped out of his parachute a few feet above the sea, landing 150 yards off an island. Two hours later, he met friendly locals. After 67 days he was returned to his unit.
Memorials
The nine crew killed were officially declared dead the day of the mission. They are memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing.
https://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/b-17/41-24534.html
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B-17F-20-BO "Omar Khayyam/The Plastered Bastard" Serial Number 41-24534
Pilot Captain Willis E. Jacobs, O-417147 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) AL
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Stanley H. Sommers, O-726839 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) IL
Crew 2nd Lt Clarence R. Johnson, O-726027 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) CO
Crew 2nd Lt William S. Jackimczyk, O-790138 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) MA
Crew SSgt Eino S. Hamalainen, 7071265 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) NY
Crew Sgt Delos J. Tuffey, 6974406 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) NY
Crew Cpl Clair W. Glover, 39307060 5th BG, 31st BS (MIA / KIA) Cheshire, OR
Crew Cpl Ray Lindamood, 15070408 5th BG, 31st BS (MIA / KIA) OH
Crew Pfc Arthur L. Lemar, 32222652 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) NY
Crew Cpl Joseph E. Hartman, 14055854 (survived) Birmingham, AL
Crashed December 1, 1942
MACR 16444
Aircraft History
Built by Boeing at Seattle. Constructors Number 3219. On July 29, 1942 delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-17F-20-BO Flying Fortress 41-24534. Assigned to pilot Lt. Edwin C. McAnelly. Nicknamed "Omar Khayyam".
Wartime History
On September 5, 1942 took off from Hamilton Field on a ferry flight via Hickam Field then across the Pacific bound for Australia. While in New Caledonia, this B-17 was assigned to the 11th Bombardment Group. Disobeying orders, McAnelly instead flew to Brisbane, and the next day to Torrens Creek Airfield. Instead, this B-17 was assigned to the 43rd Bombardment Group (43rd BG), 403rd Bombardment Squadron (403rd BS).
When officials caught up with this B-17 and it was removed from the squadron and reassigned to the 13th Air Force (13th AF), 11th Bombardment Group (11th BG), 98th Bombardment Squadron (98th BS). Nicknamed "The Plastered Bastard".
On October 4, 1942 this B-17 flew its first combat mission in the Solomon Islands.
Mission History
On December 1, 1942 at 05:30am took off from Henderson Field on Guadalcanal piloted by Captain Willis E. Jacobs and a crew from the 431st BS with two crew from the 5th BG, 31st BS on a photo reconnaissance and search mission over over sector 3V40 the southern end of Bougainville. The weather was reported as fair.
Returning from the mission, while flying at 17,000', intercepted by six A6M Zeros at approximately 1:00pm over Cape Friendship. The crew claimed two shot down, and that the others departed. Another seven Zeros intercepted over the northern end of Choiseul. Six circled and maneuvered out of range of the bomber's guns.
Over New Georgia, a seventh unseen Zero dove at the nose and dropped four aerial bombs that were ineffective. The same Zero continued to dive and collided with the the B-17's behind the radio compartment and broke the bomber into two pieces. The front half caught fire and all aboard perished.
Fates of the Crew
The rear half descended in almost perfect equilibrium, knocking Cpl Joseph E. Hartman briefly unconscious. When he awoke, he opened the escape hatch and bailed out around 2,000' and again blacked out. Awakening again, he slipped out of his parachute a few feet above the sea, landing 150 yards off an island. Two hours later, he met friendly locals. After 67 days he was returned to his unit.
Memorials
The nine crew killed were officially declared dead the day of the mission. They are memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing.
https://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/b-17/41-24534.html
JOHNSON, Clarence R, Second Lieutenant, 431st Bomber Squadron, 11th Bomber Group, Heavy, U.S. Army Air Forces, Service# 0-726027, Enl: Colorado, d. 1-Dec-1942
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B-17F-20-BO "Omar Khayyam/The Plastered Bastard" Serial Number 41-24534
Pilot Captain Willis E. Jacobs, O-417147 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) AL
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Stanley H. Sommers, O-726839 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) IL
Crew 2nd Lt Clarence R. Johnson, O-726027 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) CO
Crew 2nd Lt William S. Jackimczyk, O-790138 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) MA
Crew SSgt Eino S. Hamalainen, 7071265 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) NY
Crew Sgt Delos J. Tuffey, 6974406 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) NY
Crew Cpl Clair W. Glover, 39307060 5th BG, 31st BS (MIA / KIA) Cheshire, OR
Crew Cpl Ray Lindamood, 15070408 5th BG, 31st BS (MIA / KIA) OH
Crew Pfc Arthur L. Lemar, 32222652 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) NY
Crew Cpl Joseph E. Hartman, 14055854 (survived) Birmingham, AL
Crashed December 1, 1942
MACR 16444
Aircraft History
Built by Boeing at Seattle. Constructors Number 3219. On July 29, 1942 delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-17F-20-BO Flying Fortress 41-24534. Assigned to pilot Lt. Edwin C. McAnelly. Nicknamed "Omar Khayyam".
Wartime History
On September 5, 1942 took off from Hamilton Field on a ferry flight via Hickam Field then across the Pacific bound for Australia. While in New Caledonia, this B-17 was assigned to the 11th Bombardment Group. Disobeying orders, McAnelly instead flew to Brisbane, and the next day to Torrens Creek Airfield. Instead, this B-17 was assigned to the 43rd Bombardment Group (43rd BG), 403rd Bombardment Squadron (403rd BS).
When officials caught up with this B-17 and it was removed from the squadron and reassigned to the 13th Air Force (13th AF), 11th Bombardment Group (11th BG), 98th Bombardment Squadron (98th BS). Nicknamed "The Plastered Bastard".
On October 4, 1942 this B-17 flew its first combat mission in the Solomon Islands.
Mission History
On December 1, 1942 at 05:30am took off from Henderson Field on Guadalcanal piloted by Captain Willis E. Jacobs and a crew from the 431st BS with two crew from the 5th BG, 31st BS on a photo reconnaissance and search mission over over sector 3V40 the southern end of Bougainville. The weather was reported as fair.
Returning from the mission, while flying at 17,000', intercepted by six A6M Zeros at approximately 1:00pm over Cape Friendship. The crew claimed two shot down, and that the others departed. Another seven Zeros intercepted over the northern end of Choiseul. Six circled and maneuvered out of range of the bomber's guns.
Over New Georgia, a seventh unseen Zero dove at the nose and dropped four aerial bombs that were ineffective. The same Zero continued to dive and collided with the the B-17's behind the radio compartment and broke the bomber into two pieces. The front half caught fire and all aboard perished.
Fates of the Crew
The rear half descended in almost perfect equilibrium, knocking Cpl Joseph E. Hartman briefly unconscious. When he awoke, he opened the escape hatch and bailed out around 2,000' and again blacked out. Awakening again, he slipped out of his parachute a few feet above the sea, landing 150 yards off an island. Two hours later, he met friendly locals. After 67 days he was returned to his unit.
Memorials
The nine crew killed were officially declared dead the day of the mission. They are memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing.
https://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/b-17/41-24534.html
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B-17F-20-BO "Omar Khayyam/The Plastered Bastard" Serial Number 41-24534
Pilot Captain Willis E. Jacobs, O-417147 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) AL
Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Stanley H. Sommers, O-726839 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) IL
Crew 2nd Lt Clarence R. Johnson, O-726027 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) CO
Crew 2nd Lt William S. Jackimczyk, O-790138 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) MA
Crew SSgt Eino S. Hamalainen, 7071265 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) NY
Crew Sgt Delos J. Tuffey, 6974406 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) NY
Crew Cpl Clair W. Glover, 39307060 5th BG, 31st BS (MIA / KIA) Cheshire, OR
Crew Cpl Ray Lindamood, 15070408 5th BG, 31st BS (MIA / KIA) OH
Crew Pfc Arthur L. Lemar, 32222652 11th BG, 431st BS (MIA / KIA) NY
Crew Cpl Joseph E. Hartman, 14055854 (survived) Birmingham, AL
Crashed December 1, 1942
MACR 16444
Aircraft History
Built by Boeing at Seattle. Constructors Number 3219. On July 29, 1942 delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as B-17F-20-BO Flying Fortress 41-24534. Assigned to pilot Lt. Edwin C. McAnelly. Nicknamed "Omar Khayyam".
Wartime History
On September 5, 1942 took off from Hamilton Field on a ferry flight via Hickam Field then across the Pacific bound for Australia. While in New Caledonia, this B-17 was assigned to the 11th Bombardment Group. Disobeying orders, McAnelly instead flew to Brisbane, and the next day to Torrens Creek Airfield. Instead, this B-17 was assigned to the 43rd Bombardment Group (43rd BG), 403rd Bombardment Squadron (403rd BS).
When officials caught up with this B-17 and it was removed from the squadron and reassigned to the 13th Air Force (13th AF), 11th Bombardment Group (11th BG), 98th Bombardment Squadron (98th BS). Nicknamed "The Plastered Bastard".
On October 4, 1942 this B-17 flew its first combat mission in the Solomon Islands.
Mission History
On December 1, 1942 at 05:30am took off from Henderson Field on Guadalcanal piloted by Captain Willis E. Jacobs and a crew from the 431st BS with two crew from the 5th BG, 31st BS on a photo reconnaissance and search mission over over sector 3V40 the southern end of Bougainville. The weather was reported as fair.
Returning from the mission, while flying at 17,000', intercepted by six A6M Zeros at approximately 1:00pm over Cape Friendship. The crew claimed two shot down, and that the others departed. Another seven Zeros intercepted over the northern end of Choiseul. Six circled and maneuvered out of range of the bomber's guns.
Over New Georgia, a seventh unseen Zero dove at the nose and dropped four aerial bombs that were ineffective. The same Zero continued to dive and collided with the the B-17's behind the radio compartment and broke the bomber into two pieces. The front half caught fire and all aboard perished.
Fates of the Crew
The rear half descended in almost perfect equilibrium, knocking Cpl Joseph E. Hartman briefly unconscious. When he awoke, he opened the escape hatch and bailed out around 2,000' and again blacked out. Awakening again, he slipped out of his parachute a few feet above the sea, landing 150 yards off an island. Two hours later, he met friendly locals. After 67 days he was returned to his unit.
Memorials
The nine crew killed were officially declared dead the day of the mission. They are memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing.
https://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/b-17/41-24534.html
Inscription
JOHNSON CLARENCE R - 2 LT - 431 BOMB SQ 11 BOMB GP (H) - COLORADO
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