Fatal Attack on The Reckless Mountain Boys
A harrowing tale from the 5th Air Force over Kavieng, New Guinea and their ‘landing’ at Komalu, New Ireland……
Japanese examine the B-17F, ‘Reckless Mountain Boys’
As Capt. Byron L. Heichel and his crew were gearing up for their reconnaissance mission over Kavieng, a Japanese military complex on the island of New Ireland, on May 7, 1943, they were given a photographer and ordered to fly a photo-reconnaissance mission over suspected construction sites there. Unlike a typical reconnaissance mission, a photo-reconnaissance flight required multiple deliberate passes to get enough photo material. Heichel’s approach path was unchanged, however, and as a result Japanese coastwatchers 100 miles away from Kavieng warned personnel at the base of the incoming B-17.
Soon after THE RECKLESS MOUNTAIN BOYS finished the photo runs, tail gunner Pvt. Frank L. Kurisko alerted the crew to 6 Zeros in pursuit of the B-17. Heichel quickly ascended and headed out to sea in hopes of losing the fighters, but the crew was engaged in combat. The Fortress sustained several hits, including fires in the #3 engine…
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Posted on November 7, 2015, in WWII and tagged 1940's, Air Force, aviation, History, Japan, Military History, New Guinea, Pacific, USA, WW2, WWII. Bookmark the permalink. 40 Comments.
Pacific Paratrooper 
Excellent story on a remarkable moment in the world of one Hurricane plane, and its dangerous mission and demise.
May their names be forever recalled.
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A wonderful sentiment, Ian.
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Thanks for another reblog!
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I am indebted to your research.
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You are too kind.
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In reading through I’m sorry to hear that only four survived.
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Once in enemy hands – I’m surprised there were 4 survivors. I thank you for reading it through, Sue, despite the sad ending.
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New Ireland is in the Pacific?
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Yes. New Ireland is an island north of Papua, New Guinea – just above New Britain.
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Click on this one, verry interesting: http://www.strijdbewijs.nl/
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An extremely interesting site , Pieter. I wish I had more time to spend going through it, but I’m afraid I will need to come back to it. I am not very adept on the European Theatre, so this would be a very good chance to. You might also want to give this to Pierre Lagace – a Canadian historian who does deal with the ETO,
https://athabaskang07.wordpress.com/
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I’ve told Pierre to expect you.
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Wow, what a riveting story. It left you at the edge of your seat!
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Wish I could claim credit, but the IHRA need to take the bow. Thanks for reading it, Kathy.
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Glad you enjoyed it! Check back on Friday for the rest or subscribe to our blog to be notified when the post goes up.
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Will do and thanks!
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Wow! You have so many incredible stories! I love reading your blog.
Marcey
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In this case, I am very lucky to be following the IHRA. Excellent researchers.
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Another riveting post !
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Isn’t his research great?!!
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Thank you!
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Wow… every occupation/task was hazardous. Thanks for sharing, GP. Hugs!
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You’re right – there’s no safe place to be. Thanks for coming by.
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Wünsche ein schönes week-end Grüße und Küsse Gislinde
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Danke, Gislinde!
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The stories you post are always amazing! Did they all/any of them survive being POW’s?
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Four of them survived. This site re-blogged today is a reliable source of information.
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We’ll post the rest of their story on Friday. Check our blog then or subscribe so you can be notified right after the new post is up.
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Nine lives eh?
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For some of them. Thanks for reading today!
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Thanks for putting it up, always a good read 🙂
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You are too kind!
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Not really, I just like a good read 😀
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I’m glad!
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That sounds like a terrifying end to the photo mission. The survivors were lucky men indeed.
Best wishes, Pete.
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They did become POWs I’m afraid. I appreciate you stopping by, Pete.
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I hope the boys got home safe after their imprisonment.
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Only four survived I’m afraid. I appreciate your interest, Pete.
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