LIBERATOR BOMBER PILOT AND HIS CREW BOMB AND STRAFE CARGO VESSELS
At an advanced base somewhere in New Guinea, Feb. 21 (Delayed) -- For the purpose of mapping strategic islands in the Southwest Pacific, the crew of a B-24 Liberator, took off with the dawn patrol on a routing reconnaissance mission deep in the heart of enemy territory. The ship, piloted by First Lieut. Harold G. Cowan of Lowell, proceeded to the assigned area and the crew commenced to take pictures which would provide valuable information for future offensive operations.
Suddenly, Lt. Cowan noticed a cloud of smoke in the distance. Upon closer investigation, this was discovered to be a screen used to conceal a rapidly moving convoy of three cargo vessels escorted by two enemy gunboats. Fully realizing the dangers to be encountered in an attack on a thoroughly alert foe whose intensely destructive anti-aircraft fire would be directed at a single target, the pilot nevertheless, decreased altitude and sped towards the convoy.
Through a heavy barrage of hazardous ack-ack, the B-24 made five low level bombing runs over the enemy ships. It was on the fourth run that the bombs dropped by First Lt. Paul R. Kilmain, Auburndale, Mass., began to pay dividends; a direct hit on the stern deck of a 4500 ton cargo vessel. Another run provided the "bull's eye" when the bombardier neatly laid two one hundred pounders directly amidships. The vessel, with three direct hits in its hull began to list to the port side and the crew immediately abandoned the sinking ship.
Triumphantly, Lt. Cowan nosed the ship and turned to the happy faces of his crew.
"Shall we strafe them boys?" he inquired.
The answer was a direct one.
"Let's go. What are we waiting for?"
With Staff Sergt. Herman K. Harrison, Jr., Bronxville, N.Y., Staff Sgt. Joseph Babyack, Garfield, N.J., and Staff Sgt. James L. Ervin of Ft. Smith, Ark., spouting lead from their guns, the Liberator dived to within few feet of the water and repeatedly strafed the convoy until all but one vessel was enveloped in flames.
With no bombs remaining and over 2,500 rounds of ammunition spent in the battle, the bomber withdrew from its now helpless victims and completed the original mission of reconnaissance. Having hit the Japenese a damaging blow, the glad tidings were radioed to other squadrons by Staff Sgt. Hugh W. Glover of Alto, Ga.
Later in the day, a flight of B-25s arrived at the scene of battle to finish off the one remaining cargo vessel.
