WIX Archives

Mission to Balikpapan - possible Lib survivor?

Posted by george on Fri Jan 31, 2003 01:35:44 PM

I don't know if this has already been covered, but the Feb. issue of FLIGHT JOURNAL gives a harrowing account of a running gun battle over Balikpapan between a B-24 and many Japanese fighters. The pilot was able to put the Lib down on a tiny island called Batudaka off the coast of Celebes, and all survived and were rescued. The plane was still together. I would not think that scrappers would go after a single aircraft in such a remote location, so my question would be: does the Lib still sit where it was bellied in? Any further info on the B-24 Liberty Belle II would be very interesting.

George

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