P-38 found 12/07 at Finschhafen, PNG!!!

Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:03 am

From todays Star Ledger with Pictures of the pilot and aircraft.
Aircraft is shown flipped over and emersed in thick jungle on steep mountain.
Story is entitled Forgotten No Longer.

Pilot's remains recovered (MIA Lt. Arthur Eastman lost 08/18/44) RIP

http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf ... xml&coll=1

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Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:08 am

Its great that they found him and managed to track down some family.

Last edited by TAdan on Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:13 am, edited 1 time in total.

Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:09 am

n/m

Last edited by TAdan on Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:09 am, edited 1 time in total.

Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:09 am

The story has been moved.... here is the new link. Nice story, thanks very much for posting.

Cheers,
Richard

http://www.nj.com/starledger/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-13/120720100111340.xml&coll=1

Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:12 am

Good article. Never forget.

Didn't see any pics though.

Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:20 am

Take That, TMZ! Great article- One more brought home-Thanks!

Robbie

Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:20 am

The main front page picture has the entire left wing laying upside down in very thick jungle on a 30 degree slope (estimate). Shows left outer wing upside down, burnt engine and further on the remainder of the wing which attaches to the gondola. No gondola can be seen. Picture was taken from the upside down left wing tip.

Why isn't the photo of the plane, pilot, his dog tags and his living relative in the article online?

Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:36 am

I still don't see anything. I've been all over their site.

Thu Apr 03, 2008 12:04 pm

Did a little research to complete the story...here's what I came up with:

Lt. Arthur F. Eastman
Service # 0678001
Flying P-38J-20-LO/F-5E-2-LO
Serial Number 44-23227
Lost 8/18/45
Over the Huon Penninsula (PNG)
In the Finesterre Mountain Range
Final Resting Place: Arlington National Cemetary 9/08

Anybody know his Photo Recon Squadron based out of Finschhafen, PNG?

Thu Apr 03, 2008 1:03 pm

Did a little research to complete the story...

Glenn,

Where did you find this information? I would like to find such info about my wife's great uncle, Capt. Neil E. Simmerman, lost over France in WWII I'm told. All I've been able to find on the 'net is his aerial victory on 6/12/44.

Would you point me in the right direction?

Thanks a bunch.

Bill

Thu Apr 03, 2008 1:39 pm

Bill:

I am sorry but I was unable to find Capt. Simmerman's name on the MIA site I went to find out about the F-5E pilot (Lt. Eastman).

http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/WWII_MIA/AAF_M_S.HTM

Glenn

Thu Apr 03, 2008 2:17 pm

Glenn,

Thanks, I really appreciate your looking. Right now I'm trying to unravel the mysteries of researching the Missing Air Crew Reports at the National Archives.

Thanks again.

Bill

Thu Apr 03, 2008 3:45 pm

The plane was operated by the 27th Air Depot Group and was on test hop when lost.

Mike

Thu Apr 03, 2008 9:14 pm

Glenn...Please explain this part to me. 9/08 hasn't happened yet.

Final Resting Place: Arlington National Cemetary 9/08

Mudge the confused

Fri Apr 04, 2008 8:02 am

Hi Mudge:

Now that Lt. Eastman has been identified through DNA, he will be placed with honor in Arlington National Cemetary in September 2008 after resting in PNG for over 63 years. Welcome home Lt and Blue Skies!

Let us never forget their sacrifice! Bring them all home...one at a time.

Regards,

Glenn

Thanks Mike Bates for the info on the 27th Air Depot Group.