Information re: Tsgt Joseph A. Kernan, Jr. #34076398

Place of Birth: Gonzales, Louisiana (Ascension Parish)

Date of Birth: May 31, 1918

Squadron: 5th Group 43rd Bob (H) Squadron 403rd Bomb (H) Detachment (nicknamed: Mareeba Butchers)

Aircraft at time of death: B-24J Serial # 44-40979; Engine Series: B-1830-43; Engine Serial #s: (a) BP-440450; (b) 42-3220; (c) BP-444134; (d) BP-440841

Number of Crew on Board: 11

1. Pilot: Robert S. Clark 2nd Lt. #0-775795 (injured in action) since Retired

2. Co-Pilot: Harold L. Bernstein 2nd Lt. # 0-816400 (injured in action) since Retired

3. Navigator: Godfrey A. Lewis 1st Lt. # 0-698208 (injured in action) since Retired

4. Bombardier: Emerson A. Young 2nd Lt. # 0-699086 (injured in action) since Retired

5. Engineer: Madison R. Skeen, Jr. T/Sgt. # 14149569 Killed in Action

6. Asst. Engineer: Clarence L. Clark T/Sgt. #39310852 Killed in Action

7. Radio Operator: Joseph A. Kernan, Jr. # 34076398 Killed in Action

8. Asst. Radio Operator: James A. Keenan S/Sgt. # 12047106 Killed in Action

9. Gunner: Mero A. Chludil S/Sgt. # 16149944 (injured in action) since Retired

10. Gunner: Ancle A. Alexander S/Sgt. # 37073183 Killed in Action

11. Photographer: Richard V. Buchanan Pvt. # 18125504 Killed in Action

Other Aircraft Flew on: # 422PLX4G707X1007 (Crew 140) and on an aircraft nicknamed Dixie Belle

Place of Departure (final flight): Tacloban-Leyte Course: 320 Degrees

Intended Destination: Balete Pass

Type of Mission: Bombing

Location of Crash: 16º 05�?? N -- 120º 53�?? E

Date of Crash: March 7, 1945 at 10:50AM (Philippines time)

Crash witnessed by other aircraft involved in the bombing mission. Eyewitness S/Sgt. James O. McNair (403rd Bob Sq. (H), 43rd Bomb Group (H).

Information provide by:

Phyllis Kernan Giardina

Kernan, Joseph A., Jr., TSgt