Commando 44-77336

VARIANT: Curtiss C-46D-5-CU Commando

USAAF SERIAL NUMBER (S/N): 44-77336

CURTISS CONSTRUCTION NUMBER (C/N): 32732

COMMANDO LINE NUMBER (L/N): CU1268

FATE: Written off

  October 1944 to June 1945

  44-77336 - USAAF (USA)

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30 October 1944

Delivered from the Curtiss-Wright factory in Buffalo, NY.

Assigned to the 5^th Air Force, 54^th Troop Carrier Wing, 375^th Troop Carrier Group, 55^th Troop Carrier Squadron operating in the Southwest Pacific theatre.

14 December 1944

Ferried through Brisbane Eagle Farm, Queensland, Australia.

Late December 1944

Arrived at Mokmer Field, Biak, Papua, Dutch New Guinea with the 55^th Troop Carrier Squadron.

February 1945

Moved to San Marcellino, Luzon, Philippines with the 55^th Troop Carrier Squadron.

Supplied ground forces on Luzon and neighboring islands.

May 1945

Moved to Porac, Luzon, Philippines with the 55^th Troop Carrier Squadron.

26 May 1945

Went missing over the Southwest Pacific Ocean (5/5 missing). [MACR 14675]

Crew:
1^st Lt. William B. Pemberton, Pilot
2^nd Lt. Edward Y. Ong, Copilot
2^nd Lt. Thomas J. O'Brien, Navigator
SSgt. James A. Lyerly, Engineer
Sgt. Ernest G. Radcliff, Radio Operator (pictured)

The Commando was operating a cargo flight between Porac Field, Luzon, Philippines and Peleliu Island. After takeoff, it was never seen or heard from again.

11 June 1945

Condemned for salvage, missing.