I need your help..

[warchild]

I'm looking for information on a P-61 flown out of Lingayen Airbase in the Philippines in decenber of 1944. The plane was a member of the 547th NFS, and was flown by Capt. Kenneth Schrieber and 1st Lt. Bonnie Rucks. On this mission, Capt Schrieber cut engines and restarted them several times while flying low over the japanese prison camp at cabatuan, providing the distraction needed for the US Army Rangers to move into position and begin their attack, which resulted in freeing 513 prisoners. They were the last survivors of the Bataan death march..
Any information is greatly appreciated, photos of the plane would be even more greatly appreciated..
Thanks
Pam

[jankees]

According to my information, that was P-61A-15-NO 42-39390, c/n 909, named 'Hard to get'. Schrieber and Rucks also used it to shoot down a japanese aircraft on 28 febr 1945. The aircraft crashed during take-off on 7 july 1945 and was written off. I haven't been able to find a picture though, sorry.

edit: seek and ye shall find..

http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww230/jcblom60/2010/osprey.jpg

picture taken after the 28-2-45 mission, from left to right Col. Johnson, pilot Lt Ken Schreiber, R/O lt Bonnie Rucks and crew chief T/Sgt John Crough.

[roger-wilco-66]

Impressive picture, that!
I notice that the prop clearance was quite small, wasn't it? I imagine when the plane was fully loaded, gassed up and with crew, it surely was smaller. And when the front oleo gave in when breaking...

I like the crew chief, he looks like an old salt in the business, and one surely was probably well advised to turn in his aircraft in a good condition after a flight :-)




Cheers,
Mark

[mal998]

Have a look here. There is a bit more info and background on the raid.

http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Raid_at_Cabanatuan