98th Squadron/11th Bombardment Group (H)/Bomber
Command, 7th Air Force
Frank Washburn Case – Chronology
By: CPT George E. Kurz, MI – USAR-IMA
Note: All times given as “Z” (Zulu or Greenwich Civil Time), or as local time from Zulu which is: - 11 hours. Numbered references given in parenthesis.
14 Nov 43 98th Squadron arrived on NUKUFETAU (Ellice Island) APO 240X
Jan 44 A night bombing mission was to be carried out by 8 B-24’s against WOTJE Island (506 n. miles NNW of TARAWA, Gilbert Islands), a Japanese stronghold in the Marshall Islands. (1) One of the pilots for the mission, 1st LT Charles HOPKINS (“Hoppy”) requested 2nd LT Frank J. WASHBURN (SN# 0731433) to replace his regular bombardier, 2nd LT James WEBB, who was sick. WASHBURN requested permission from his regular pilot, 1st LT Herbert T. KURZ, to fly with HOPKINS. (2) KURZ gave his permission reluctantly, since HOPKINS had previously been grounded because he had “frozen” at the controls, and he was now being worked back into regular flying missions. (2, 3, 4)
19 Jan 44 The planes proceeded from NUKUFETAU to the staging base, Tarawa No. 1 on the morning of the 19th. (1) Preflight briefings were normally conducted by MAJ Allen H. WOOD (“Woody”), 98th Squadron Commander. (2)
20 Jan 44 1034Z to 1241Z All eight planes took off from TARAWA with 20 minute intervals between flights (one plane was delayed in takeoff and went later with another delayed plane from the 431st Squadron). Two planes returned early to TARAWA; #992 “Coconut Queen” because of carburetor trouble, and #004 “Lady” piloted by LT Joseph H. GALL because he became ill. Weather was scattered cumulus. Generally, the planes few a course of 332° True to 170° 50’E, 5°20’N then “through the slot” on a course of 352° to the target. (1, 5) The mission was scheduled as a night formation bombardment. About 15 minutes from the target, the flight leader extinguished the formation lights (the running lights had been extinguished 15 minutes earlier). Because of the danger of a midair collision since LT SUOJANEN had not been briefed on night formation procedures, LT HINDERSINN left the formation to bomb WOTJE alone. (6)
1405Z The first planes only spotted WOTJE Atoll when they were directly overhead because there was no moon and 70 to 80% cloud coverage. Later flights had the advantage of a quarter moon. “A ship in the lagoon off the pier fired meager and inaccurate antiaircraft fire at the first plane over the target, revealing the position of the target to other planes in the flight.” The planes approached the target, making several dry runs. All planes oriented themselves by ORMED Island, proceeding
south along the atoll to WOTJE. The altitude of approach was 6,000’ to 12,000’; IAS (indicated air speed) 160 to 180 mph. (1)
1418Z 1st LT Raymond HINDERSINN in #008 “Ready Teddy II” completed the lst of three bomb runs, (1, 5) and then returned to base alone. (6)
1420Z 1st LT Arthur SUOJANEN in #496 “Heaven Can Wait” completed the last of two bomb runs on course of 190° Mag. (1, 5)
1424Z Aircraft #938 (B-24D #41-23938, “Sexy Sue IV, Mother of Ten”) pilot HOPKINS was last seen (and reported) by CPT Richard DWYER, Flight “B” leader in “close formation,” and “when turning left toward the target.” (1, 5)
1427Z CPT Thomas ESMOND in #010 “Glenna Bee II” made one bomb run on course 124° Mag. (1, 5)
1501Z to 1515Z Radio message received at 98th ground station at NUKUFETAU from #938 (HOPKINS) that “one engine out, one bad,” (unsatisfactory), then SOS-OTE. (1) Communications Officer, 1st LT Alvin ADCOCK was awakened, and heard part of the transmission, then the transmitter key was locked down by the operator prior to crash when the signal faded. (7) These messages were not picked up by the TARAWA ground station or by other planes. (1)
1510Z CPT DWYER in #009 “As-Cend Charlie” completed the last of two bomb runs on course 210°. (1, 5) SGT Delbert BROADFOOT in the nose turret of #009 spotted #938 after DWYER completed his bomb run. Also, he thought light flashes were sent between his plane and #938, then Sexy Sue IV disappeared into a cloud bank. (8)
1658Z LT Warren SANDS in #027 “Barrel House Bessie” completed the last of two bomb runs on course 125°. (SANDS and crew were on TDY from the 42nd Sqdn.) (1, 5)
1740Z to 2015Z The surviving five planes returned to base. (1)
A search was conducted by Navy “Dumbo” air/sea rescue service from Navy Task Group 57.3 which was operating in the area. (9) (Possibly using ComAirCenPac Search Plan B.) Planes of the 98th also searched with no positive results. (2)
21 Jan 44 S-2 Officer, 1st LT John GARTLAND reported the loss of HOPKINS POF (pilot’s operating folder) and Confidential Aircraft Code CSP 1270BD, Register #51048, to the Adjutant General, Washington, 25, DC through HQ AAF. (1) Crews had been instructed: “If making a water landing – throw POF overboard in deep water.” (3)
26 Jan 44 MAJ WOOD completed the Missing Aircrew Report. This was supposed to be completed within 48 hours of loss, but was late possibly due to elements of the 98th moving from NUKUFETAU to TARAWA between 17 and 23 January 1944. (3, 9)
Crew
Rank
Serial No.
Duty
NOK Location
Charles E. HOPKINS
1LT
0726401
pilot
San Gagriel, CA
John K. MUNCY
1LT
0728908
co-pilot
Alma, AR
William P. ROWE, Jr.
2LT
0678770
nav.
San Bernardino, CA
Frank J. WASHBURN
2LT
0731433
bombardier
Dover-Forcroft, ME
Lorian A. LLEWELLYN
T/S
16048015
eng/gun
Winona, MN
Alan HIBBERT
S/S
11043391
ast eng/gun
Bristol, RI
Eugene J. GURZENDA
T/S
33167503
radio ob “V”
Boswell, PA
Orvel E. ESTES
S/S
18011510
radio op/gun
Bandera & Utopia, TX
Sam A. BELFIORE
S/S
37124238
arm/gun
Omaha, NE
1 Feb 44 Operation FLINTLOCK begins; some islands of KWAJELEIN Atoll captured.
8 Feb 44 The remaining islands of KWAJALEIN Atoll captured by Marines and Army troops. After KWAJALEIN Atoll was taken, the Marines found HOPKINS’ POF file among captured Japanese documents (3) along with the POF and .45 pistol from 1LT Roger MORSE’s plane which had crashed earlier near ARNO. (10, 11) Many captured documents at that time were processed through JICPOA (Joint Intelligence Center, Pacific Ocean Area). (12) At the time, no one could understand how HOPKINS could have been so far off course. (3) Japanese POWs on ENIWETOK reported that captured 11th Bomb Group crewmen had been taken to KWAJALEIN and there transshipped to “some Japanese POW camp.) (10, 13)
10 Feb or
14 Feb 44 During interrogation on 13 March 1944, Natives on LAE Island told the staff air combat information officer of the Marine landing party, that this was the date of the last visit by Japanese to the island. Forty two Japanese had landed on the island in two small power boats. They had no arms or ammunition but plenty of provisions. They spent one night on the island. They were supposed to have come from KWAJALEIN and were headed for ENIWETOK. (14)
17 Feb 44 Assault on ENIWETOK begun.
1 Mar 44 The Commander of KWAJALEIN Atoll was directed to neutralize and control 23 atolls and islands in the Marshall group and accomplish 4 objectives. (14) Each atoll and island was reconnoitered by low level PBY flights by the landing force commanders prior to each operation. Landing forces were provided with aerial photo flight strips, hydrographic charts, and mimeo sketch maps traced from 1/5000 scale air photos. (15)
13 Mar 44 A landing was made from USS LST-23 anchored in LAE lagoon, by elements (possibly 2 reinforced rifle companies) of the 1st Battalion, 22nd
Marines, 1st Prov. Marine Brigade, 5th AC. (This element was part of the earlier assault on ENGEBI at ENIWETOK.) Approximately 100 troops landed on LAE island. The natives were immediately contacted and they stated that there were no Japanese on any island of the Atoll. A search was made of this island and no signs of enemy activity were found. After the usual formalities with the natives, the United States flag was raised over the island in a ceremony arranged by the landing commander, MAJ C. B. LAWTON, USMC (Bn XO) and recorded by a Marine photographer. Approximately 40 troops were landed on LOTJ (or LOTZ) island, LAE Atoll, and a thorough search was made. The island was uninhabited, and the only sign of enemy activity was a memorial to Japanese dead which had been erected in 1942 on the northwest tip of the island. Only LAE island was noted as being inhabited (77 persons in the Civil Affairs report, and 88 in the Medical report). The population reported that the Japanese had used the island as an R&R stopping point for ships enroute to KWAJALEIN and the east. Unlike natives on other islands liberated during this operation, they were reported as being confused and frightened by the landing. Their recognized leader was an evangelist named KEIN. (14)
22 Mar –
3 Apr 44 98th Squadron moved to KWJALEIN Atoll, Marshall Islands, APO 241.
9 Apr 44 WASHBURN’s grave was reportedly seen by SOM 3/c Joseph A. BOULEY of the U.S.S. Stembel. (Located vicinity of New Guinea.) Official investigation determined the report was spurious and an attempt to circumvent censorship regulations. (16, 17, 18)
_____ MAJ WOOD received a letter (possibly through Group channels) from the mother of one of the enlisted men (from New England? – possibly S/Sgt Alan HIBBERT, SN#11043791, father – George HIBBERT, 240 Hope St., Bristol, RI) who had been on #938. She wrote that she had a dream that her son’s plane had crashed but that he was alive on an island called “LAE”. WOOD called several pilots together informally and asked their advice. Maps were checked, but LAE was not named on the bombing maps or charts for the unit’s area of operations. (2, 3)
_____ GARTLAND checked with Navy units on an island across the lagoon from the 98th Sqdn. Base. LAE Atoll was finally located at 8.57° N 166.12° E, which was about 260 miles west of the course from TARAWA to WOTJE and about 80 miles from the Sqdn. Base. The Navy, when asked for information about the island, said that there was “nothing” on the island (possibly this was based on photography taken by the Navy in 1943 and referenced on the 1946 edition of the AMS map of LAE Atoll, and on the 13 Mar 44 landing by the Marines.) (2, 3, 19)
10 Jun 44 Shortly after LAE was located, “LT Leland A. BATES in airplane #876 (possible “Millies Daughter” (5)) and LT. Arthur H. PETTERSON in plane #850 conducted a routine photographic mission over the LAE Atoll.” (2) After making a high approach and drawing no enemy fire, they made some low (about 1000’) passes. Photography confirmed
the reports of the excited crew members. These low level shots showed a clearing and a lean-to. This information was used to justify a request to the Navy (probably made through Bomber Command) to investigate further. (2, 3) (BATES and PETERSON were on detached service with the 98th Sqdn. from the 42nd Sqdn. having arrived on 4 & 5 Jun 1944) (2) LAE Atoll was never considered of military importance. This is the only record of a photographic mission over an area not considered a military target, and was mounted solely on the dream report. (2)
Crew List:
2nd LT Leland A. BATES
0_9174
1st LT Arthur H. PETERSON
0661555
2nd LT Henry K. SAMPLES
0692502
2nd LT Philip E. BOWMAN
0816408
2nd LT James J. DONNELLAN
0698272
2nd LT William J. KAPP
1673580
2nd LT Paul E. HEED_OHL
0694768
1st LT Lloyd T. PERRON
0725474
SSG Frank E. CINCINELLO
12207584
1st LT Lewis C. BOHANNON
01317477
SSG Arthur J. FRITZ
36559552
SSG Joseph F. McMAHON
33127669
SSG Anthony C. SIMONS
6991723
SGT Vernon H. LYON
32742039
SGT Howard F. DALTON
6978414
SGT Raymond A. MASLANKA
32739305
SGT Jerome J. DARWIN
37415150
SGT Doloris M. PENA
39282775
SGT Edgar R. GLASS
34200563
SGT Williams A. TODD
18168025
CPL Donald R. DAVISON
37034986
_____ KURZ learned from GARTLAND that the Navy had landed a party on the island photographed on 10 June, and found the clearing, the lean-to, no people, and a fresh grave with a crude marker with “F. Washburn” inscribed on it. (2)
before
Jun 45 An article appeared about the incident in the Honolulu Star Bulletin. (2)
24 Jan 48 AGRS Case 314 was investigated on WOTJE Atoll. The case stated that “there is one known burial on WOTJE Island whose last name is ESTES, and who might be S/SGT ESTES, 18011510.” Two unknown remains were recovered from the island on this date which could not be identified but one of which may be the burial referred to in Case 314. (21)
REFERENCES
1. 98th Bombardment Squadron (H), Mission Report by 1LT John J. Garland Jr. Air Force Archives Roll A-0575, frame 1146 to 1152.
2. Kurz, Herbert T., Testimony, 11 November 1982.
3. Gartland, John J., Jr., Testimony, 9 September 1986.
4. Argo, Dr. William L. TELECON w/George Kurz, July 1982.
5. Cleveland, William (Ed.) Grey Geese Calling. American Publishing Co., Inc. Askou, Minn. 1981.
6. Hindersinn, Raymond R. Letter dtd. 20 August 1982.
7. Adcock, Alvin N., Jr. TELECON w/George Kurz, 27 July 1982.
8. Broadfoot, Delbert E. Interview w/George Kurz, Orlando, FL 1983.
9. 98th Bombardment Squadron (H), Missing Air Crew Report, 26 January 1944. (#1904, National Archives Record Group #92.)
10. McCleskey, Alton O. Letter dtd. 15 Dec 1976. (11th Bomb Group Assc. Archives)
11. Irby, James R. Letter dtd. 5 June 1982.
12. Shaw, Henry I., Jr., Nalty, Bernard C., and Turnbladh, Edwin T. Central Pacific Drive, VOL III, Historical Br. G-3 Div. HQ USMC, 1966.
13. 98th Bombardment Squadron (H) Unit History (May 1942 – April 1944) p. 33.
14. Kwajalein Atoll Commander, War Diary, March 1944.
15. 22nd Marines, Action Reports (7 March – 6 April 1944) Atoll Hopping – The Lesser Marshalls.
16. American Red Cross, Letter to Field Director ARC 98th Sqdn. Dtd. 1 May 1944.
17. Casualty Branch, Status Review & Determination No. 1965, para. 6, 21 Jan 45.
18. Bouley, Joseph A. TELECON w/George Kurz, 2 August 1981.
19. LAE Atoll, Army Map Service, 1946.
20. 98th Squadron Unit History by 1LT C. W. Finnegan, June 1944, p. 2. (frame 1405). Wolenberg, 25 January 1948.
21. 604th QM Graves Registration Co. Pacific Zone APO 954 by 1LT Howard D. Wolenberg, 25 January 1948.
The End of Sexy Sue IV
For the benefit of the reader, I will try to sketch out what I think happened in the final chapter of the record of the Sexy Sue IV and her crew:
By a miserable stroke of fate, Sexy Sue IV was hit by the “meager and inaccurate” antiaircraft fire (reported by other crews), from the ship in Wotje Lagoon. The plane received more damage than just to the two engines reported in the Morse Code SOS. Hopkins may have been trying to signal to the flight leader with the flashes reported by Sgt. Broadfoot, or the flashes may have been from a fire on board Sexy Sue IV. Possibly, pilot Hopkins froze again at a critical moment, cutting down on the chances for survival. Regardless of the reason, the plane crashed on the island, or possibly in shallow water nearby Wotje. It did not explode or burn immediately on impact, and most of the crew survived the crash. This is consistent with the reports that no explosions or fires were reported on the island by other crews bombing at the same time. Almost two hours later, however, fires were observed by the last plane to bomb. Since the classified code books were captured by the Japanese, a deep water landing has been ruled out, because then the crew would have been able to dispose of the books according to Unit SOP to prevent compromise. Sgt. Estes and possibly another crewman died as a result of the crash or were killed by the Japanese and buried on Wotje. The remaining crewmen were taken to Kwajalein for POW classification and interrogation. This was the headquarters that also processed the captured code books. None of the crew were listed by the Japanese as POWs, however.
Some POW camp survivors captured earlier, reported being taken west by way of Eniwetok Atoll. Natives on Lae reported that their island also had been used by the Japanese as a stopover on the way to Eniwetok. However, an assault on Eniwetok was begun on 17 February 1944 by the 22nd Marines. I believe that Frank was among those crash survivors being evacuated by the same route, but that the evacuation was disrupted due to the increase of US combat pressure in that area. I believe that he died from wounds or illness and was buried on an island of Lae Atoll by other POWs in that group. I believe that the mother of one of the crewmen had a dream about her son when he was with Frank, and that she identified Lae Atoll in a way that utterly defies explanation. Finally, I believe that the remains of Frank Washburn, his service honorable and his story told, lie in peace on an island of Lae Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
For the purposes of documentation, there are still several key information gaps in this story. I hope that any former serviceman who was part of the second landing party on Lae and saw Frank’s grave, or who has documents or photographs pertaining to this case will notify me in order that this case may be resolved.
George E. Kurz
Chattanooga, Tennessee
March 23, 1987
Frank Washburn Case – Chronology
By: CPT George E. Kurz, MI – USAR-IMA
Note: All times given as “Z” (Zulu or Greenwich Civil Time), or as local time from Zulu which is: - 11 hours. Numbered references given in parenthesis.
14 Nov 43 98th Squadron arrived on NUKUFETAU (Ellice Island) APO 240X
Jan 44 A night bombing mission was to be carried out by 8 B-24’s against WOTJE Island (506 n. miles NNW of TARAWA, Gilbert Islands), a Japanese stronghold in the Marshall Islands. (1) One of the pilots for the mission, 1st LT Charles HOPKINS (“Hoppy”) requested 2nd LT Frank J. WASHBURN (SN# 0731433) to replace his regular bombardier, 2nd LT James WEBB, who was sick. WASHBURN requested permission from his regular pilot, 1st LT Herbert T. KURZ, to fly with HOPKINS. (2) KURZ gave his permission reluctantly, since HOPKINS had previously been grounded because he had “frozen” at the controls, and he was now being worked back into regular flying missions. (2, 3, 4)
19 Jan 44 The planes proceeded from NUKUFETAU to the staging base, Tarawa No. 1 on the morning of the 19th. (1) Preflight briefings were normally conducted by MAJ Allen H. WOOD (“Woody”), 98th Squadron Commander. (2)
20 Jan 44 1034Z to 1241Z All eight planes took off from TARAWA with 20 minute intervals between flights (one plane was delayed in takeoff and went later with another delayed plane from the 431st Squadron). Two planes returned early to TARAWA; #992 “Coconut Queen” because of carburetor trouble, and #004 “Lady” piloted by LT Joseph H. GALL because he became ill. Weather was scattered cumulus. Generally, the planes few a course of 332° True to 170° 50’E, 5°20’N then “through the slot” on a course of 352° to the target. (1, 5) The mission was scheduled as a night formation bombardment. About 15 minutes from the target, the flight leader extinguished the formation lights (the running lights had been extinguished 15 minutes earlier). Because of the danger of a midair collision since LT SUOJANEN had not been briefed on night formation procedures, LT HINDERSINN left the formation to bomb WOTJE alone. (6)
1405Z The first planes only spotted WOTJE Atoll when they were directly overhead because there was no moon and 70 to 80% cloud coverage. Later flights had the advantage of a quarter moon. “A ship in the lagoon off the pier fired meager and inaccurate antiaircraft fire at the first plane over the target, revealing the position of the target to other planes in the flight.” The planes approached the target, making several dry runs. All planes oriented themselves by ORMED Island, proceeding
south along the atoll to WOTJE. The altitude of approach was 6,000’ to 12,000’; IAS (indicated air speed) 160 to 180 mph. (1)
1418Z 1st LT Raymond HINDERSINN in #008 “Ready Teddy II” completed the lst of three bomb runs, (1, 5) and then returned to base alone. (6)
1420Z 1st LT Arthur SUOJANEN in #496 “Heaven Can Wait” completed the last of two bomb runs on course of 190° Mag. (1, 5)
1424Z Aircraft #938 (B-24D #41-23938, “Sexy Sue IV, Mother of Ten”) pilot HOPKINS was last seen (and reported) by CPT Richard DWYER, Flight “B” leader in “close formation,” and “when turning left toward the target.” (1, 5)
1427Z CPT Thomas ESMOND in #010 “Glenna Bee II” made one bomb run on course 124° Mag. (1, 5)
1501Z to 1515Z Radio message received at 98th ground station at NUKUFETAU from #938 (HOPKINS) that “one engine out, one bad,” (unsatisfactory), then SOS-OTE. (1) Communications Officer, 1st LT Alvin ADCOCK was awakened, and heard part of the transmission, then the transmitter key was locked down by the operator prior to crash when the signal faded. (7) These messages were not picked up by the TARAWA ground station or by other planes. (1)
1510Z CPT DWYER in #009 “As-Cend Charlie” completed the last of two bomb runs on course 210°. (1, 5) SGT Delbert BROADFOOT in the nose turret of #009 spotted #938 after DWYER completed his bomb run. Also, he thought light flashes were sent between his plane and #938, then Sexy Sue IV disappeared into a cloud bank. (8)
1658Z LT Warren SANDS in #027 “Barrel House Bessie” completed the last of two bomb runs on course 125°. (SANDS and crew were on TDY from the 42nd Sqdn.) (1, 5)
1740Z to 2015Z The surviving five planes returned to base. (1)
A search was conducted by Navy “Dumbo” air/sea rescue service from Navy Task Group 57.3 which was operating in the area. (9) (Possibly using ComAirCenPac Search Plan B.) Planes of the 98th also searched with no positive results. (2)
21 Jan 44 S-2 Officer, 1st LT John GARTLAND reported the loss of HOPKINS POF (pilot’s operating folder) and Confidential Aircraft Code CSP 1270BD, Register #51048, to the Adjutant General, Washington, 25, DC through HQ AAF. (1) Crews had been instructed: “If making a water landing – throw POF overboard in deep water.” (3)
26 Jan 44 MAJ WOOD completed the Missing Aircrew Report. This was supposed to be completed within 48 hours of loss, but was late possibly due to elements of the 98th moving from NUKUFETAU to TARAWA between 17 and 23 January 1944. (3, 9)
Crew
Rank
Serial No.
Duty
NOK Location
Charles E. HOPKINS
1LT
0726401
pilot
San Gagriel, CA
John K. MUNCY
1LT
0728908
co-pilot
Alma, AR
William P. ROWE, Jr.
2LT
0678770
nav.
San Bernardino, CA
Frank J. WASHBURN
2LT
0731433
bombardier
Dover-Forcroft, ME
Lorian A. LLEWELLYN
T/S
16048015
eng/gun
Winona, MN
Alan HIBBERT
S/S
11043391
ast eng/gun
Bristol, RI
Eugene J. GURZENDA
T/S
33167503
radio ob “V”
Boswell, PA
Orvel E. ESTES
S/S
18011510
radio op/gun
Bandera & Utopia, TX
Sam A. BELFIORE
S/S
37124238
arm/gun
Omaha, NE
1 Feb 44 Operation FLINTLOCK begins; some islands of KWAJELEIN Atoll captured.
8 Feb 44 The remaining islands of KWAJALEIN Atoll captured by Marines and Army troops. After KWAJALEIN Atoll was taken, the Marines found HOPKINS’ POF file among captured Japanese documents (3) along with the POF and .45 pistol from 1LT Roger MORSE’s plane which had crashed earlier near ARNO. (10, 11) Many captured documents at that time were processed through JICPOA (Joint Intelligence Center, Pacific Ocean Area). (12) At the time, no one could understand how HOPKINS could have been so far off course. (3) Japanese POWs on ENIWETOK reported that captured 11th Bomb Group crewmen had been taken to KWAJALEIN and there transshipped to “some Japanese POW camp.) (10, 13)
10 Feb or
14 Feb 44 During interrogation on 13 March 1944, Natives on LAE Island told the staff air combat information officer of the Marine landing party, that this was the date of the last visit by Japanese to the island. Forty two Japanese had landed on the island in two small power boats. They had no arms or ammunition but plenty of provisions. They spent one night on the island. They were supposed to have come from KWAJALEIN and were headed for ENIWETOK. (14)
17 Feb 44 Assault on ENIWETOK begun.
1 Mar 44 The Commander of KWAJALEIN Atoll was directed to neutralize and control 23 atolls and islands in the Marshall group and accomplish 4 objectives. (14) Each atoll and island was reconnoitered by low level PBY flights by the landing force commanders prior to each operation. Landing forces were provided with aerial photo flight strips, hydrographic charts, and mimeo sketch maps traced from 1/5000 scale air photos. (15)
13 Mar 44 A landing was made from USS LST-23 anchored in LAE lagoon, by elements (possibly 2 reinforced rifle companies) of the 1st Battalion, 22nd
Marines, 1st Prov. Marine Brigade, 5th AC. (This element was part of the earlier assault on ENGEBI at ENIWETOK.) Approximately 100 troops landed on LAE island. The natives were immediately contacted and they stated that there were no Japanese on any island of the Atoll. A search was made of this island and no signs of enemy activity were found. After the usual formalities with the natives, the United States flag was raised over the island in a ceremony arranged by the landing commander, MAJ C. B. LAWTON, USMC (Bn XO) and recorded by a Marine photographer. Approximately 40 troops were landed on LOTJ (or LOTZ) island, LAE Atoll, and a thorough search was made. The island was uninhabited, and the only sign of enemy activity was a memorial to Japanese dead which had been erected in 1942 on the northwest tip of the island. Only LAE island was noted as being inhabited (77 persons in the Civil Affairs report, and 88 in the Medical report). The population reported that the Japanese had used the island as an R&R stopping point for ships enroute to KWAJALEIN and the east. Unlike natives on other islands liberated during this operation, they were reported as being confused and frightened by the landing. Their recognized leader was an evangelist named KEIN. (14)
22 Mar –
3 Apr 44 98th Squadron moved to KWJALEIN Atoll, Marshall Islands, APO 241.
9 Apr 44 WASHBURN’s grave was reportedly seen by SOM 3/c Joseph A. BOULEY of the U.S.S. Stembel. (Located vicinity of New Guinea.) Official investigation determined the report was spurious and an attempt to circumvent censorship regulations. (16, 17, 18)
_____ MAJ WOOD received a letter (possibly through Group channels) from the mother of one of the enlisted men (from New England? – possibly S/Sgt Alan HIBBERT, SN#11043791, father – George HIBBERT, 240 Hope St., Bristol, RI) who had been on #938. She wrote that she had a dream that her son’s plane had crashed but that he was alive on an island called “LAE”. WOOD called several pilots together informally and asked their advice. Maps were checked, but LAE was not named on the bombing maps or charts for the unit’s area of operations. (2, 3)
_____ GARTLAND checked with Navy units on an island across the lagoon from the 98th Sqdn. Base. LAE Atoll was finally located at 8.57° N 166.12° E, which was about 260 miles west of the course from TARAWA to WOTJE and about 80 miles from the Sqdn. Base. The Navy, when asked for information about the island, said that there was “nothing” on the island (possibly this was based on photography taken by the Navy in 1943 and referenced on the 1946 edition of the AMS map of LAE Atoll, and on the 13 Mar 44 landing by the Marines.) (2, 3, 19)
10 Jun 44 Shortly after LAE was located, “LT Leland A. BATES in airplane #876 (possible “Millies Daughter” (5)) and LT. Arthur H. PETTERSON in plane #850 conducted a routine photographic mission over the LAE Atoll.” (2) After making a high approach and drawing no enemy fire, they made some low (about 1000’) passes. Photography confirmed
the reports of the excited crew members. These low level shots showed a clearing and a lean-to. This information was used to justify a request to the Navy (probably made through Bomber Command) to investigate further. (2, 3) (BATES and PETERSON were on detached service with the 98th Sqdn. from the 42nd Sqdn. having arrived on 4 & 5 Jun 1944) (2) LAE Atoll was never considered of military importance. This is the only record of a photographic mission over an area not considered a military target, and was mounted solely on the dream report. (2)
Crew List:
2nd LT Leland A. BATES
0_9174
1st LT Arthur H. PETERSON
0661555
2nd LT Henry K. SAMPLES
0692502
2nd LT Philip E. BOWMAN
0816408
2nd LT James J. DONNELLAN
0698272
2nd LT William J. KAPP
1673580
2nd LT Paul E. HEED_OHL
0694768
1st LT Lloyd T. PERRON
0725474
SSG Frank E. CINCINELLO
12207584
1st LT Lewis C. BOHANNON
01317477
SSG Arthur J. FRITZ
36559552
SSG Joseph F. McMAHON
33127669
SSG Anthony C. SIMONS
6991723
SGT Vernon H. LYON
32742039
SGT Howard F. DALTON
6978414
SGT Raymond A. MASLANKA
32739305
SGT Jerome J. DARWIN
37415150
SGT Doloris M. PENA
39282775
SGT Edgar R. GLASS
34200563
SGT Williams A. TODD
18168025
CPL Donald R. DAVISON
37034986
_____ KURZ learned from GARTLAND that the Navy had landed a party on the island photographed on 10 June, and found the clearing, the lean-to, no people, and a fresh grave with a crude marker with “F. Washburn” inscribed on it. (2)
before
Jun 45 An article appeared about the incident in the Honolulu Star Bulletin. (2)
24 Jan 48 AGRS Case 314 was investigated on WOTJE Atoll. The case stated that “there is one known burial on WOTJE Island whose last name is ESTES, and who might be S/SGT ESTES, 18011510.” Two unknown remains were recovered from the island on this date which could not be identified but one of which may be the burial referred to in Case 314. (21)
REFERENCES
1. 98th Bombardment Squadron (H), Mission Report by 1LT John J. Garland Jr. Air Force Archives Roll A-0575, frame 1146 to 1152.
2. Kurz, Herbert T., Testimony, 11 November 1982.
3. Gartland, John J., Jr., Testimony, 9 September 1986.
4. Argo, Dr. William L. TELECON w/George Kurz, July 1982.
5. Cleveland, William (Ed.) Grey Geese Calling. American Publishing Co., Inc. Askou, Minn. 1981.
6. Hindersinn, Raymond R. Letter dtd. 20 August 1982.
7. Adcock, Alvin N., Jr. TELECON w/George Kurz, 27 July 1982.
8. Broadfoot, Delbert E. Interview w/George Kurz, Orlando, FL 1983.
9. 98th Bombardment Squadron (H), Missing Air Crew Report, 26 January 1944. (#1904, National Archives Record Group #92.)
10. McCleskey, Alton O. Letter dtd. 15 Dec 1976. (11th Bomb Group Assc. Archives)
11. Irby, James R. Letter dtd. 5 June 1982.
12. Shaw, Henry I., Jr., Nalty, Bernard C., and Turnbladh, Edwin T. Central Pacific Drive, VOL III, Historical Br. G-3 Div. HQ USMC, 1966.
13. 98th Bombardment Squadron (H) Unit History (May 1942 – April 1944) p. 33.
14. Kwajalein Atoll Commander, War Diary, March 1944.
15. 22nd Marines, Action Reports (7 March – 6 April 1944) Atoll Hopping – The Lesser Marshalls.
16. American Red Cross, Letter to Field Director ARC 98th Sqdn. Dtd. 1 May 1944.
17. Casualty Branch, Status Review & Determination No. 1965, para. 6, 21 Jan 45.
18. Bouley, Joseph A. TELECON w/George Kurz, 2 August 1981.
19. LAE Atoll, Army Map Service, 1946.
20. 98th Squadron Unit History by 1LT C. W. Finnegan, June 1944, p. 2. (frame 1405). Wolenberg, 25 January 1948.
21. 604th QM Graves Registration Co. Pacific Zone APO 954 by 1LT Howard D. Wolenberg, 25 January 1948.
The End of Sexy Sue IV
For the benefit of the reader, I will try to sketch out what I think happened in the final chapter of the record of the Sexy Sue IV and her crew:
By a miserable stroke of fate, Sexy Sue IV was hit by the “meager and inaccurate” antiaircraft fire (reported by other crews), from the ship in Wotje Lagoon. The plane received more damage than just to the two engines reported in the Morse Code SOS. Hopkins may have been trying to signal to the flight leader with the flashes reported by Sgt. Broadfoot, or the flashes may have been from a fire on board Sexy Sue IV. Possibly, pilot Hopkins froze again at a critical moment, cutting down on the chances for survival. Regardless of the reason, the plane crashed on the island, or possibly in shallow water nearby Wotje. It did not explode or burn immediately on impact, and most of the crew survived the crash. This is consistent with the reports that no explosions or fires were reported on the island by other crews bombing at the same time. Almost two hours later, however, fires were observed by the last plane to bomb. Since the classified code books were captured by the Japanese, a deep water landing has been ruled out, because then the crew would have been able to dispose of the books according to Unit SOP to prevent compromise. Sgt. Estes and possibly another crewman died as a result of the crash or were killed by the Japanese and buried on Wotje. The remaining crewmen were taken to Kwajalein for POW classification and interrogation. This was the headquarters that also processed the captured code books. None of the crew were listed by the Japanese as POWs, however.
Some POW camp survivors captured earlier, reported being taken west by way of Eniwetok Atoll. Natives on Lae reported that their island also had been used by the Japanese as a stopover on the way to Eniwetok. However, an assault on Eniwetok was begun on 17 February 1944 by the 22nd Marines. I believe that Frank was among those crash survivors being evacuated by the same route, but that the evacuation was disrupted due to the increase of US combat pressure in that area. I believe that he died from wounds or illness and was buried on an island of Lae Atoll by other POWs in that group. I believe that the mother of one of the crewmen had a dream about her son when he was with Frank, and that she identified Lae Atoll in a way that utterly defies explanation. Finally, I believe that the remains of Frank Washburn, his service honorable and his story told, lie in peace on an island of Lae Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
For the purposes of documentation, there are still several key information gaps in this story. I hope that any former serviceman who was part of the second landing party on Lae and saw Frank’s grave, or who has documents or photographs pertaining to this case will notify me in order that this case may be resolved.
George E. Kurz
Chattanooga, Tennessee
March 23, 1987