Incident Overview
A B-29 aircraft was engaged in a reconnaissance photo mission over the Yalu River along the China/Korea border. During the flight, the aircraft was attacked by two Soviet MiG-15s piloted by Maj A. Z. Bordun and St/Lt L. M. Dimchenko. The attack severely damaged the B-29, disabling two engines on the left side.
Return Flight and Crash Landing
Despite the damage, the crew managed to return to Johnson AFB (also known as Iruma AFB). As the aircraft approached for a crash landing, the nose suddenly dove into the ground. Upon impact, the plane split in half, and the wings crashed over the front section. The crash resulted in the deaths of all but one occupant of the cockpit.
Survivor and Accomplishment
The sole survivor from the cockpit was Harry Lavene, who had been serving as the tail gunner. During the attack, military records indicate that Lavene became the first enlisted man to shoot down a MiG-15 from a B-29.