Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt 42-28513 41st FS, 35th FG, 5th AF, Wama Airfield, Guama, Morotai; shot down by flak over Sanga-Sanga Airfield at Tawi-Tawi Island, Philippines on the 18th of December 1944; Pilot became POW, then escaped but believed killed.
The fighter took off from Wama Airfield on Morotai on a strafing mission against Sanga-Sanga Airfield on Tawi-Tawi Island.
Over the target, it was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed a few yards from the southern end of the runway.
During the crash, the engine and wings broke off beyond the machine guns. The fuselage impacted intact. The pilot was observed in the cockpit with his head against the instrument panel. On the 19th of December, 41st FS P-47s returned.
They observed the P-47 wreckage, but no sign of the pilot nor anyone around the airfield. The tail and center section of the fuselage had been collected and placed along side the wings.
A row of 55 gallon drums had been placed alongside the wreckage. Green brush and trees were placed over all the wreckage to camouflage it from view, but the metal skin was still visible from the air.
The P-47s strafed the wreckage, setting it on fire and it burned fiercely.