2LT Gray was the navigator aboard B-24D Liberator #42-72729, when they departed from Port Moresby.
This was the first big daylight bombing mission against Rabaul on New Britain Island. The mission included over 300 bombers and escorts.
Their target area was Simpson Harbor, used by enemy Japanese forces.enemy shipping area.
When they reached their target, the bombers faced heavy flak and dozens of Japanese Zero fighters. Despite the difficult situation, they were able to release their payload and help sink a destroyer and three other ships.
Gray's aircraft, seriously damaged…but under control, was last observed departing from the area of the harbor. They failed to return to their airfield and not seen again. It is believed they crashed into the sea.
Gray and the rest of the crew were declared missing in action. And their remains were not recovered.
2LT Gray was the navigator aboard B-24D Liberator #42-72729, when they departed from Port Moresby.
This was the first big daylight bombing mission against Rabaul on New Britain Island. The mission included over 300 bombers and escorts.
Their target area was Simpson Harbor, used by enemy Japanese forces.enemy shipping area.
When they reached their target, the bombers faced heavy flak and dozens of Japanese Zero fighters. Despite the difficult situation, they were able to release their payload and help sink a destroyer and three other ships.
Gray's aircraft, seriously damaged…but under control, was last observed departing from the area of the harbor. They failed to return to their airfield and not seen again. It is believed they crashed into the sea.
Gray and the rest of the crew were declared missing in action. And their remains were not recovered.
Gravesite Details
FLORIDA2LT 90 BOMB GRP AAFWORLD WAR II PH
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