Mission Details
The heavy bomber was engaged in a leaflet dropping operation over North Korea when it encountered hostile fire.
Incident
The aircraft was struck by enemy antiaircraft artillery and subsequently crashed near Chongju. The entire crew of 12 decided to abandon the bomber via parachute. Following the bailout, eleven of the crew members were recovered by friendly forces. The captain, however, was taken as a prisoner of war.
Crew
The crew consisted of 12 members: Captain Donald G. Bigham, 1st Lieutenant Richard M. Bryan, 1st Lieutenant Donald R. Clancey, 1st Lieutenant Raymond B. Garcia, Private First Class Vernon O. Heitsenrader, Corporal Joseph R. La Fleur, Staff Sergeant David Lipsky, Private First Class Benjamin F. Livingston, Staff Sergeant Winston P. McKinney, Sergeant William J. G. Northey, Private First Class Joseph P. Pershica, and 1st Lieutenant Daniel B. Vance.
The official findings attributed the loss to being shot down by enemy antiaircraft fire.