An interactive map of the area and situation around Momote airdrome, Los Negros Island, Admiralty Islands, when B-25 #41-30312 was shot down on January 25, 1944.
The 345th Bomb Group flew a mission to the Admiralty Islands on January 25, 1944. The 500th Squadron led the Group as they bombed and strafed their way over Momote airdrome and around Seeadler Harbor. They encountered steady, accurate anti-aircraft fire from the north end of the runway. The lead airplane of their third flight was hit by the anti-aircraft fire while over the airdrome, then crashed and exploded on the shore of Papilitai Harbor, in Salami Plantation, about two miles beyond the airdrome. A map included in their mission report shows their line of flight and the crash location of B-25 #41-30312.
The mission map shows the crash location as almost due west of the north end of Hyane Harbor. Below, part of a 1944 topographic map of the Hyane Harbor area shows Momote drome, Salami Plantation, and the reported crash area in greater detail.
There does not seem to be a Missing Air Crew Report available for this incident. All information was found in the mission report for FFO# 25-G-1, and the 500th Squadron’s Honor Roll.
Lost in the crash of B-25 #41-30312 were:
- 1Lt John P. McLean, Jr., pilot
- 2Lt Edgar A. Waite, co-pilot
- 1Lt Fred H. Wexler, navigator
- SSgt Cameron N. Somsen, engineer
- SSgt Norman E. Godsey, radio operator
- SSgt Arthur O. Wezel, aerial gunner
All six of the crew are listed on the DPAA Not Recovered list.