Commando 44-77336
Aircraft Identification
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
Operational Record
October 1944 to June 1945
44-77336 - USAAF (USA)
30 October 1944
Delivered from the Curtiss-Wright factory in Buffalo, NY.
Assigned to the 5th Air Force, 54th Troop Carrier Wing, 375th Troop Carrier Group, 55th 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 55th Troop Carrier Squadron.
February 1945
Moved to San Marcellino, Luzon, Philippines with the 55th Troop Carrier Squadron.
Supplied ground forces on Luzon and neighboring islands.
May 1945
Moved to Porac, Luzon, Philippines with the 55th Troop Carrier Squadron.
26 May 1945
Went missing over the Southwest Pacific Ocean (5/5 missing). [MACR 14675]
Crew:
1st Lt. William B. Pemberton, Pilot
2nd Lt. Edward Y. Ong, Copilot
2nd 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.
Last edited: 29/09/2020