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TECHNOLOGY FOR DISCOVERY: FROM DECADES TO DAYS
BENTPROP PARTNERS SHARE IN A FLAG CEREMONY OVER THE CRASH
SITE OF MISSING TBM1C AVENGER AND AIRCREW
Findings of P-MAN XVI Mission to Palau 15 March to 15 April 2014
Mission Coordinators: Flip Colmer, LCDR USN (ret) and Derek Abbey, Major, USMC Mission Report: Patrick Scannon, MD, PhD, Team Leader February 2015
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VISION
To repatriate every American service member who has not come home. To provide
information and closure to the families of these service members. To provide a
platform to educate all on the importance of service to one’s country. To provide
unique educational opportunities in the arenas of science, history, leadership and
diplomacy to a select and committed student audience in conjunction with our
missions in order to provide a real world application to the students and broaden the
outlook of our team members.
MISSION
A self-funded team of volunteers, each with essential expertise (history, aviation,
diving, navigation), who are dedicated to locating and assisting with identifying
American prisoners of war and missing in action from World War Two within the
Palau Islands. This effort is done through detailed research and exploration while
consistently coordinating with appropriate national authorities.
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PMAN XVI MISSION REPORT: TABLE OF CONTENTS I. P-MAN XVI Team Members II. Introduction to Findings and Events III. Summary of Findings A. Permitting and Notification Process B. Objectives C. P-MAN XVI Individual Target Descriptions, Findings and Key Events TARGET 1. WATER MODULE
Priority 1 (NT-1, B24 and other aircraft) and Priority 4 (NT-3), see also Priority 3 (NT-2) Priority 2 (RT-1, TBM Avenger, Aimeliik) Priority 2 (NT-4, Hellcat, Arakabesan) Priority 3 (NT-2, Hellcat, SW Ngeruktabel)
TARGET 2. POW SEARCH MODULE Priority 1 (RT-2, POW Search, southern Ngatpang) Priority 2 (RT-3, Additional POW Search, Northern Ngatpang) IV. Ceremonies Lt. Col. Billy Cantrell, USMC, Ceremony R. V. Burgin, USMC, Ceremony Governor Rick Perry, US State of Texas, Congressional Ceremony and Dinner V. Stockbridge High School Summary VI. Documentary and Film Productions VII. Acknowledgements
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P-MAN XVI MISSION REPORT: I. P-MAN XVI TEAM MEMBERS:
Name, state of residence, day job, dates in Palau
Pat Scannon (CA), CSO, XOMA: Team Leader (14MAR – 17APR except 13-16APR)
Flip Colmer (MI), Delta Airlines: Co-MISSION COORDINATOR (20MAR - 16APR.
Major Derek Abbey (WA), active duty USMC in North Carolina: Co-MISSION COORDINATOR, Safety Officer, Ceremonies (15MAR – 16APR)
Captain Casey Doyle (Major-select!) (TX), active duty USMC in Okinawa: Land Safety Officer, Ceremonies (16MAR – 16APR)
Dan O’Brien (CA), BentStar Project : Navigation, Photography, Production Liaison (15MAR-16APR)
Nell Scannon (CA), Jarvis Winery: Mission Planning (20MAR-12APR)
Mark Swank (MD), USG: POW Module (07APR-12APR)
Bill Belcher (HI), JPAC (on leave): Forensic Archeologist/anthropologist POW Module, Water Module (27MAR- 15 APR)
Rick Smith (WA/Singapore), Microsoft : Water Module Liaison (04APR-13APR)
Jolie Liston (Seventh generation TX now HI): Archeologist , POW Module (06APR – 14APR)
Joe Maldangesang, (Ngerechelong, PALAU), conservation officer (year round!):
Newbie: SSGT Sean Richardson (CA), active duty USAF (15MAR-29MAR)
Newbie: David Gianakos (MI), Delta Airlines (01APR – 13APR)
Special Guest (WA): Jo Schumacher, MSGT USAF(Ret) and niece of Lt. Art Schumacher, B24 ‘453 (1Apr – 17APR)
Special Guest (TX): Robin Cantrell-Hogg and daughter of late Billy Cantrell, Lt. Col. USMC, ret. (05APR -12APR)
Texas Team (T2, all TX) as part of the P-MAN XVI team (07APR – 17APR)
Governor Rick Perry* and wife, Anita, and daughter, Sydney
RV Burgin, K Company/5th Marines/1st Marine Division* and daughter Terrie Burgin
Marcus Luttrell, US Navy SEAL(ret)* and wife, Melanie
Officer Chris Brannon and team , Governor and First Lady security (~+ 4)
Darcy and Kay Anderson
Dan Friedkin, Pursuit Productions, with documentary production (Traveling Picture Show) team (~+ 14)
* Attached to P-MAN XVI Team
Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) Team:
Eric Terrill (all CA except as noted), Team leader (15MAR – 15APR)
Billy Middleton (HI)
Evan Walsh
Shannon Scott
Myles Syverud
Andy Nager
Paul Reuter
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Travis Shramek
Rick Loughery GoPro
Nate Lee GoPro Production/Cameraman (20MAR-10APR)
Patrick Barrett GoPro Production/Cameraman (03APR-09APR),
Daniel Terdimen CNET/CBS (29MAR - 5 APR)
University of Delaware Oceanography Team (UDEL):
Mark Moline (all DE), University of Delaware, Team Leader (~15MAR – 15APR)
Ian Roberts
Hunter Brown
Megan Cimeno
Stockbridge High School Advanced Underwater Robotics Team (all MI): (NOTE: This team worked semi-autonomously with BPP)
Bob Richards : Team leader
Josh Nichols: Teacher
Lori Zemke: Teacher
Jeremy Spinks
Karly Kruger
Chloe Hypes
Luke Olsen
Blake Jackson
Skeeter Ballagh
Maddy Armstrong
Emma Morris
II. INTRODUCTION TO FINDINGS AND EVENTS
The P-MAN XVI mission consisted of three parts: a) extension of our P-MAN XV water search mission, with the major focus on continued ocean floor searches for American aircraft and associated MIA aircrews, b) expansion of our POW search in Ngatpang/Aimeliik area with archeological probes and c) special events related to our special guests. The extension of our water mission was made possible by the expanded partnerships with Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), University of Delaware (UDEL) and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). We also continued for the third year our mentoring program with the Stockbridge High School Advanced Robotics team.
Malakal Harbor and the deep waters immediately outside the western part of that harbor, including around Arakabesan (to the north) and Western Lagoon (off northwestern Ngeruktabel just south of the southern pincer of Ngeruktabel ) were all anchorages for Japanese shipping during WWII and were the points of attack for at least two major aerial battles in 1944 by US Navy (USN) forces in March (Operation DESECRATE ONE) and July (Operation SNAPSHOT), as well as recurring attacks during multiple independent missions by US Army Air Force (USAAF) and US Marine (USMC) aviation units throughout 1944 until the war’s end in September 1945. During all US Operations around Palau during WWII, Peleliu and its airfield were important targets. But the shipping and airfields to the north were also of operational significance. In the Malakal/Arakabesan/Western Lagoon/Ngeruktabel (MAWN) area (but not north of Arakabesan), at
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least fifteen known US aircraft remain missing along with their air crews, including fourteen USN aircraft (24 aviators) and one USAAF B-24 (8 airmen). Additionally, some American aircraft and their aviators simply disappeared, crashing unwitnessed, and could be anywhere: but we do not forget that “anywhere” is in reality somewhere. In addition, we continue through our NARA archival research to find further American losses in the Palau area. This MAWN area was heavily defended not only by enemy fighter squadrons (at least through early September 1944) but also by multiple Japanese anti-aircraft artillery batteries on Malakal, Arakabesan, Koror and southern Airai. After their surrender to US forces at war’s end, Japanese military cited to American interrogators multiple American crash areas in this general area; records of this have been found in both US and Japanese archives. To make this more complex, several Japanese combat aircraft were reported to have been shot down in these areas. As part of these American airmen’s missing status, what is also often not specified is whether these aircraft crashed on land or water.
Within this large ocean area, we had previously conducted side scanning sonar (SSS) searches during P-MAN XIIIa (boat-mounted Marine Sonic, 2011) and P-MAN XIV (boat-mounted Marine Sonic, 2012), all without success. We began working during P-MAN XV (2013) with SIO and UDEL (having met the SIO and UDEL teams during p-MAN XIV), with agreement from the US Office of Naval Research (ONR), to utilize state-of-the-art underwater search technologies including both autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and a boat-mounted echo scanner; this revolutionized our capability to conduct large area underwater searches. This year’s SIO/UDEL joint team was a combined oceanographic group conducting research in Palau from these two universities (SIO/UCSD with a team of nine directed by Eric Terrill, PhD and UDEL, with a four person team directed by Mark Moline, PhD: hereafter referred jointly as SIO/UDEL). The SIO/UDEL part of the P-MAN XVI mission was generously funded by ONR as part of their STEM program and built upon and extended from our P-MAN XV experience. Inspired by the joint successes of P-MAN XV, the BentProp team redoubled our archival efforts, focusing on underwater sites which we had previously thought as technically unfeasible. The P-MAN XVI team worked out a plan with the SIO/UDEL teams over the year prior to the mission, in which SIO/UDEL agreed to commit a certain amount of its research efforts to explore the ocean floors of Palau in areas of interest to the BentProp Project. This has continued to permit SIO/UDEL to acquire new oceanographic data while also permitting our WWII ocean floor searches to occur in an unprecedented manner, utilizing novel water and land search methods, as described below.
As always for our missions, the BentProp Project recognizes that we are working within the independent and sovereign boundaries of the Republic of Palau. Prior to the mission start, the BentProp Project submitted the P-MAN XVI Pre-Mission Proposal to the Palauan Bureau of Arts and Culture, the Palauan Office of the President, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command and other interested agencies. We are diligent in completing all required correspondence and attaining authorization and permits for all of the activities we pursue, from the President and his staff, government offices, state and local officials, landowners, and tribal authorities. This preparation was done prior and during the P-MAN XVI mission. Follow-up courtesy visits to key individuals and offices were made for verification and updates concerning permits both upon arrival and during PMAN XVI. It is with our gratitude that the BentProp Project continues to work with and share the information from our missions with the people and leadership of Palau.
Consistent with our Vision and Mission statements, the primary goal of the BentProp Project is to locate Americans missing in and around Palau since World War II [NOTE: technically designated as Missing-in-Action (MIA), Body Not Recovered (BNR), including Prisoners-of-War (POW)] so that they will ultimately be identified and repatriated back to the United States. As a result of this goal, we report our findings and coordinate our activities within Palau to the Bureau of Arts and Culture and the Office of the President, who in turn notify other interested Palauan authorities. We also report our findings, as appropriate, with the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) (recently
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reorganized and now the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the U.S. Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA), and the Embassy of the United States of America in Palau. Each of the above Palauan and American offices receives a full report of our findings. These official reports are available upon request by other appropriate agencies. The BentProp Project makes every effort to share information in support of our mission of locating these long lost Americans, but we also understand the sensitivity of much of the information gathered and maintain that information in a confidential/for official use manner. Any public material, such as contained in this redacted final report, appearing on the www.bentprop.org web site has been redacted of such sensitive information. Beyond these reports, BentProp team members and partners also hold such information as sensitive and not for public release, especially out of respect for the families of these MIAs and missing POWs.
III. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS (Attachments with details for each event follow below):
A. PERMITTING and NOTIFICATION PROCESS:
This year’s Pre-Mission Proposal was submitted prior to arrival to Palauan and Department of Defense authorities. Items related to this permit/notification process include: 1. Permits were obtained for PMAN XVI through the Palauan Bureau of Arts and
Culture/Historical Preservation Office (BAC/HPO), the individual States and the Office of the President. The BAC, through the kind assistance of its Director, Ms. Sunny Ngirmang and Deputy Director, Mr. Calvin Emesiochel, assisted in arranging the state permits. Prior to mission start, we also sent the P-MAN XVI Pre-Mission Proposal to the (then) Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and the Embassy of the United States of America in Palau.
2. The team made courtesy calls at the beginning of PMAN XVI with President Remengesau, President of the Senate Chin, Senator Mason Whipps, members of the BAC and the governors and officials in the target areas that BentProp would be working. In addition we made a courtesy call to the US Embassy, meeting with Acting Charge de Affaire Bessner and the Civic Action Team with OIC Captain Jerrod McComb.
3. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO, Dr. Eric Terrill, California, USA), The University of Delaware (UDEL, Dr. Mark Moline, Delaware, USA) and Mr. Robert Richards (Stockbridge High School Advanced robotics Team (SHS), Michigan, USA) participated with the P-MAN XVI team and are listed as participating contributors to this P-MAN XVI mission.
4. Eric Terrill, PhD from Scripps obtained annual research permits through the Bureau of Marine resources and the State of Koror to conduct their oceanographic research. This permitting covered the activities of the SIO/UDEL team.
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5. The P-MANXVI team assisted in getting film permits for the independent film crews in Palau with us (i.e., 60 Minutes, GoPro, C-NET, and the Pursuit Production teams).
B. OBJECTIVES:
This mission was an extension of underwater searches from P-MAN XV for missing aviators and land searches from P-MAN XI for missing POWs in Ngatpang State. Over the past year, the BentProp Project has continued its partnership with Dr. Eric Terrill and his team at the Scripps Institution for Oceanography (SIO) and Dr. Mark Moline and his team at the University of Delaware (UDEL). In addition, we have continued to work with the Stockbridge High School (SHS) Advanced Robotics Team. The partnership with BentProp Project/SIO/UDEL created the foundation for the P-MAN XVI team to explore with novel technologies Palau’s ocean floors and jungles for Americans Missing in Action associated with aircraft throughout Palau. In parallel, we have continued to conduct extensive research at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA, College Park, MD, USA) and other archival sources, particularly in reference to 1) a B-24 reportedly shot down SW of Koror (US and Japanese sources) - possibly in “Western Lagoon” (Lagoon just south of the southern arm of northwestern Ngeruktabel), 2) both old and new reports of multiple American aircraft crashing in the waters around Arakabesan, Ngeruktabel (western Lagoon) and Malakal Harbor (US and Japanese sources), and 3) new information leading possibly to locating a crash site of a TBM-1C Avenger and crew off western Aimeliik. The map and the explanations below show the key targets we investigated during P-MAN XVI. This proposed plan includes three New Targets (NT 1-3) and four Return Targets (RT-1 to -4). [NOTE: Other sites as described below, were opportunistically investigated, with appropriate approvals.] The result in composite was the discovery of two new MIA crash sites. Throughout the P-MAN XVI mission, the joint team cooperated with the Palau Bureau of Arts and Culture (BAC) and the Historical Preservation Office (HPO) in support of our mission. The P-MAN XVI team provided and sent a Preliminary Mission Summary before leaving Palau on April 14, 2014 to BAC, President Remengesau, U.S. Embassy and JPAC.
As with prior missions, the P-MAN XVI proposal incorporated plans solely for the continuation of our search for American sites of possible MIAs, and for preliminary evidence at those sites, which suggest that American MIAs and/or POWs remains may be present. In an ongoing agreement with BAC, we continued to stay in regular contact with the Director BAC during our mission. As always, we obtained GPS coordinates, to map and to photograph any new findings we made. As we did find human remains at two sites described below, we immediately notified BAC/HPO and JPAC and cooperated in all follow-up actions as directed.
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C. P-MAN XVI INDIVIDUAL TARGET DESCRIPTIONS, FINDINGS AND KEY EVENTS (as
outlined in Pre-Mission Proposal):
TARGET 1, 17MAR-15APR: WATER SEARCH MODULE
Priority 1: Ocean floor searches in areas west of Ngeruktabel, Ngargol and Malakal Harbor (USAAF B24 and several USN aircraft (NT-1)), and Priority 4 (NT-3): Preliminary search for aircraft in channel between Koror and the Long Island (Arupushukaru). See also Priority 3 (NT-2, for Bayesian analysis) below)
Palau, circa 1944, courtesy USMC
BentProp WORKING Primary List PMAN-XVI Palau Mission By
Location: RT = Return Targets NT= New targets
BentProp Team Base out of
West Plaza Malakal Hotel
(Malakal Island)
NT-1 (Underwater): Large Area AUV
search west of Pinchers
RT-4: BentProp Project Ceremonies
RT-2 (Jungle): Return to possible
POW execution area in southern
Ngatpang for further searches
RT-1 (Underwater): Follow up
on a Palauan report of an
American fighter crashing off
western edge of Aimeliik
SIO/UDEL Operation Center
at Coral Reef research
Foundation (Malakal Island)
NT-2 (Underwater): Large Area AUV
search SW of Ngeruktabel
NT-3 (Underwater): Underwater search
of Channel between Koror and Long
Island
RT-3 (Jungle): Return to possible
POW execution area in Northern
Ngatpang for further searches
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General Observations: Large area surveys using AUVs were primarily conducted west of Koror toward the western barrier reef, Malakal Harbor, northeastern edge of Ngeruktabel inside the outer reef, the southeastern and southwestern ends of Ngeruktabel, the Western Channel area (off Ngeremlengui), the southwest side of Peleliu, the north and west sides of Arakabesan and the channel on the southern end of Koror. A large number of these AUV searches were attempts to locate this B-24 after taking into account the apparently inconsistent historical records relating to the loss of this B-24. Just before I left for Palau, through the courtesy of family members of a B-24 reunion group, I interviewed by telephone three airmen who were on that mission. One of them, Mr. Louis Rivas, a ball turret gunner on a nearby bomber recalled that mission, as well as the loss of the B24 since it was in front of his aircraft. Mr. Rivas did not see that B-24 crash but he did see parachutes (his word) suddenly bail out from the B-24 at his one o’clock position (consistent of relative positions) just at the end of the bomb run (it is believed from the mission reports that B-24 completed its bomb run before crashing). For a few seconds he followed the parachutes but had to return to the forward position to search for enemy aircraft. Mr. Rivas also recalled while turning his ball turret forward that immediately thereafter his B24 was over a channel with water below him and brown or burned land on his right. Our interpretation was (and is) that the only configuration with the described channel and brown land (Arakabesan had been heavily bombed by then) consistent with the known mission direction was that the B24s after dropping their bombs over Koror headed almost due west in the channel between Ngargol and Arakabesan. This interpretation then determined additional AUV searches west of Arakabesan as well as AUV and scuba searches (too narrow in places for AUV) within and along the channel from Arakabesan eastward. However, AUV searches west of Ngargol/Ngeruktabel, west and north of Arakabesan were conducted over the entire mission time with no new aircraft findings.
Dan O’Brien and Pat Scannon interview Mr. Louis Rivas after the P-MAN XVI mission in Lawton, OK about the 25AUG44 mission on 28AUG14 (seventy years and 3 days later)
Mrs. Louis Rivas©2014
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In discussions concerning the fate of B-24J, we reviewed our prior findings of two other B-24’s lost in this immediate: both have been reported in detail in prior P-MAN reports. In 1993 and 1994, I found respectively a B-24J starboard wing along the shore of Ngetkuml and a B-24 port wing on Iberor, both south of Koror. Through compelling mission photographs for each date, we have associated the wing on Ngetkuml with a specific B-24M lost in August 1944, while the Iberor wing has been associated with a second B-24 lost in May of 1945; however this must not be considered definitive evidence. While some consideration has been given as to whether either wing might belong to B-24J we are looking for, there would be no way to directly decide as we have not been able to identify engine serial numbers (one engine at each site). However, one distinction might be made since the J and M models had differences on the wingtips: the M model would have had wingtip attachment points for static wicks, not present on the J model. We decided to see if we could detect any difference between the two wingtips. The visit to the Iberor B-24 wing revealed what appeared to be an attachment point consistent with a static wick just aft of the wingtip light. The Ngetkuml B-24 wingtip was damaged and no conclusion could be made.
Iberor B-24 Wing on 18MAR14: Just aft of the wingtip light can be seen an attachment point consistent with a static wick. The location of wingtip light and static wick attachment point together make this wing most likely associated with the later B-24M model (Custer ‘058). The tip of the Ngetkuml B-24 wing was damaged and no conclusion could be made. See next photo and below. S. Richardson©2014 S. Richardson©2014
Wingtip of B-24 off Ngetkuml Island (starboard ventral view since wing is upside down during high tide). Unfortunately, that part of the wingtip containing the light and wick attachment is missing. The multiple penetrating holes point inward indicating probable shrapnel hits while still in flight. This is believed to be a J model B24 which lacked wingtip light and static wick attachments – however, the model of this specific wing is inconclusive based on the missing part of wingtip. D. Abbey©2014
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Later on 18MAR14, we stopped at the peninsula, Ngerchelngael, because WWII aerial photos indicated this had numerous buildings. It is currently abandoned. We found the dock was destroyed with only the stone foundation remaining. A small gauge railway track had obviously sustained heavy damage. A grown over path led to a bunker system with rock wall barriers; further down the trail we found what appeared to be two rows of 3 piers ~ 4 feet apart – we suspect this was a warehouse or large building of unknown purpose. Other structures could be seen in the grown over areas but we did not explore further. In addition, the area below these buildings to the south may have been an agricultural area at one point.
Late model B-24 Wing tip assembly (see part 14) and as seen on intact late model B24.
With permission.
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Ngerchelngael – an extension from the Long Island (Ulebsechel) between Koror and Malakal. Yellow arrow points to entry point we took to explore the island. This island is a former Japanese military base with a small-gauge railroad track (destroyed during WWII) and at least one bunker and probably warehouses.
USGS Map
One part of the bunker structure. There appear to be two concrete block structures connected by a cave system. It appears to have sustained heavy damage.
P. Scannon©2014
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In summary, no additional evidence through these searches regarding this missing B-24J was located. While we may have missed minor debris, it is unlikely we missed the bulk structures of this B-24 and therefore we conclude that either this B-24 did not crash within these search areas or that it was later salvaged (from Palauan interviews to date, less likely). Although we generated a large amount of “negative data’ about American aircraft during these large area searches, it was subsequently used to reinforce hypothesis generation of more favorable areas to the west. Priority 2 (Contemporaneous with Priority 1): Ocean floor search in area west of NW Aimeliik for a specific TBM Avenger (RT-1)
In 2005, the P-MANVII BentProp team located and identified the starboard wing of a TBM1c Avenger in the mangrove jungles of NW Aimeliik. Over the next nine years, attempts to locate further evidence of this crash site failed to produce any findings. Prior to the P-MAN XVI mission, the SIO team, working with prior BentProp archival and search data, created a model of the last flight of this Avenger – the path described was used to describe the search area for the AUVs.
From 21 to 23MAR14 the SIO/UDEL and BentProp teams dived the coral walls in the area of interest – areas where the AUVs would not have access. No findings were made. On the afternoon of 24MAR14, The SIO/UDEL AUV teams located a signal in the waters just north of the wing. Later that day, based on this signal, a dive team, led by Eric Terrill, located at a depth of ~ 105 feet (~28 meters), first, the vertical stabilizer of an aircraft followed by the main debris field of a TBM1c Avenger missing its starboard wing (~40 meters from vertical stabilizer). Eric Terrill’s use of his Navigator (a divable and portable sonar) was instrumental (literally) in efficiently finding the debris fields (water visibility less than 10 feet). In brief, after spending many dive days over a nine year period searching for this aircraft in low visibility settings, the joint team, using state of the art modeling based on reasonable historical data and advanced technologies in conjunction with support scuba diving, located the crash site in one day. It is entirely possible that on prior dives we went right by the debris field, missing it entirely, or because of the highly sedimented water, thinking it was another coral head. Underwater As described in detail in ATTACHMENT 1, this debris field was consistent with a TBM1c, lacking a starboard wing and was in the expected location of such an Avenger associated with its entire aircrew MIA. As the cockpit area was inverted, no attempt was made to locate the identification plate
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Based on the preponderance of accumulated data, on 31MAR14, a ceremony was held on the waters over the main debris field of this TBM1c Avenger crash site to honor these airmen lost in combat and now (their aircraft) rediscovered, as well as for the airmen’s families. All concerned parties who participated in this discovery assembled for this ceremony: the P-MAN XVII team, SIO, UDEL, CRRF (Coral Reef Research Foundation), both Americans and Palauans. Members from C-NET and GoPro were also present. It was a beautiful, calm day. Three American flags and one Palauan flag were unfurled and I led the ceremony with representatives from SIO, UDEL and Palau holding the flags and BentProp team members responsible for the flags. The formal part of the ceremony consisted of:
Description of the aircrew’s last mission (PS)
Reading of the names of each member of this USN Aircrew (Flip Colmer as our USN team member)
Description of the ceremony symbolism (PS), briefly: the Open (Unfurled) American Flags indicate the sacrifices by the aircrew and their families, the Holding of the Flags (one American Flag for each Airman and the Palauan Flag) by SIO/UDEL and Palauan participates points to those involved in this partnership – all beneficiaries of the aircrew’s sacrifices, the Folding of each Flag by BentProp team members represent the first key step toward returning the Aircrew’s remains home, and the Caretaking and
Composite AUV SSS of complete Underwater Avenger Debris Field, Courtesy, SIO Team © 2014
Vertical Stabilizer
Main Debris Field
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Retention of the Flags by Flip Colmer, LCDR, USN (ret) summarizes our commitment that we will hopefully one day deliver each to the respective families.
After the formal part of the presentation, comments were requested from the participants for the families (since the ceremony was video-recorded). Both Eric Terrill and Mark Moline made heart-felt remarks for all gathered and for the families who will see this in the future. Before closing, as is our tradition, I read the third and fourth verses of Lawrence Binyon’s poem, For the Fallen: They went with song into battle, they were young,
Straight of Limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, They fell with their faces to the foe. They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.
This concluded the ceremony.
Flag Folding by Derek Abbey, Nell Scannon and Casey Doyle, of first American Flag, of three, for Families of the Avenger Aircrew whose aircraft lies beneath this boat. In attendance are
Americans and Palauans who all participated in this discovery. With permission ©2014
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NT-4 (not part of Pre-Mission Proposal): F6F-3 Hellcat Based upon the joint capabilities of our partnership with SIO and UDEL in finding the Avenger crash site, Mark Moline recommended that the joint team give consideration to another site, should we have one, with a similar profile. We did - one that had consumed a great deal of search time on prior missions. In a detailed Air Action Report, a wingman describes a Hellcat being shot down, with separation of the empennage, just to the north of Arakabesan during Operation SNAPSHOT and crashing vertically into the ocean. Attempts on the part of the BentProp Project to find the crash site via scuba grid searches and boat-mounted side scanning sonar over a twelve year period were all unsuccessful, in part because of the many coral heads and coral walls in this area. Although we had located Japanese reconnaissance float planes, we speculated that the Hellcat debris might have been salvaged post-war. Departing (opportunistically) from our Pre-Mission Proposal, we developed a plan involving two search areas to the north of Arakabesan. Since BentProp had previously scuba searched in the general area of 100-300 feet from the shoreline, we jointly decided to go out further north, past a section of ~E-W running coral wall (i.e., a drop off). Similar to the Avenger site, the plan was to scuba search along the walls while the AUVs conducted predefined search patterns. It turns out that the Hellcat debris field was at the AUV-diver interface, and, on 28MAR14 this time the divers found the debris field first. Once again, advanced technologies in a combine team approach resulted in finding an aircraft which had been the subject of searches over at least 12 prior years.
In brief, the debris field was consistent with that of a Hellcat missing its empennage (tail section) – and an aviator still MIA. The debris field was concentrated in a relatively small area off of Arakabesan (although farther north than reported), except that the empennage was separated from the rest of the aircraft, consistent with a vertical crash as described in the AAR. As with the Aimeliik Avenger site, I completed a SITE SURVEY FORM with full details which has been reported to (then) JPAC. Based on the preponderance of evidence, a ceremony was held 31MAR14 to honor the loss of this missing aviator, as well as for his family. We conducted this ceremony similar to the Avenger ceremony, except the location was directly over the crash site of this Hellcat. Once again all participants in the discovery joined together to honor the loss of the American aviator – and the rediscovery of his aircraft. The ceremony was video-recorded hopefully for the family to see one day.
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Priority 3 (NT-2): Preliminary ocean floor searches in area just south of SW Ngeruktabel for an F6F Hellcat and possibly other aircraft lost in combat. Mark Moline and Dan O’Brien have completed a NARA search which suggests that an F6F Hellcat crashed in this area not too far offshore. This is new information because we had previously suspected the crashed further to the north. A preliminary search grid was defined for search via AUV, to be tasked after completing Priorities 1 and/or 2. NOTE: NARA archives indicate that up to 25 Japanese fighters were shot down in this general region. While we were in Palau, Eric Terrill began a collaboration with University of California, San Diego, faculty in order to conduct Bayesian statistical analyses, based on certain key assumptions (eg, speed, altitude, winds aloft, turn angle, time of flight after last known point, timing of when bail outs occurred) in order to help suggest search areas for the B-24J discussed above. A composite of analyses he sent to us suggested that the search area for the Hellcat shot down in this area might overlap with the missing B-24J. Accordingly, the joint team decided to conduct wide area searches in this area just southwest of Ngeruktabel, with the thought that two searches could be covered within the same area.
Flag Folding by Derek Abbey, Nell Scannon and Casey Doyle, of American Flag for Family of this Hellcat aviator, whose aircraft lies beneath this boat. In attendance are Americans and Palauans who all participated in this discovery. With Permission ©2014
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The areas covered with the AUVs involved a full three day effort. SSS data revealed a number of potential targets of interest that required visualization to differentiate between natural and non-natural objects. Only one day could be made available for follow-up dives and ROV work on these targets of interest. Group A (lead by Eric) covered the targets to the north, while Group B (led by Mark), covered those to the south. Eric had the Navigator (portable dive sonar), and was able to eliminate the northerly targets. Mark’s team took out the ROV (with low visibility camera and acoustic imaging). Given the time available, they were able to eliminate only 1 of the 4 target areas. The joint team decided not to follow up with another dive day and that southwestern shoreline was not explored. The ocean floor in this area has a depth of ~80 feet with little relief, other than intermittent large sand rises. Bottom consists of medium grain sediment as opposed to the fine-grained sediment we see in more northern parts of this lagoon. In summary, regions of the area identified by Bayesian analysis were searched by AUV, scuba and/or ROV; although there were no new findings, the southern area was not completed and additional AUV searches will need to be conducted to complete this. This information was also fed back to UCSD for consideration for further analysis.
TARGET 2 (RT-2), ~28 MAR-12APR, POW SEARCH MODULE: This land search was divided into two parts. Priority 1: 30MAR to 15APR (under direction of Bill Belcher and Jolie Liston): Re-investigation of Areas A and B in southern Ngatpang. This is a continuation of our searches for missing POW airmen (at least 7), UDT members (3) and missionaries/civilians (10) known to have been executed on Babeldaob. The civilian POWS are considered together here because the known civilian executions appeared to be executed in the same area as the US military. But this does not include the Indian soldiers (most likely captured in Singapore under British command) and Koreans (forced labor) who were also reported to have been executed by Japanese forces in Palau. We believe Indian and Korean executions were conducted elsewhere, as relayed to us by a now-deceased Palauan chief, where he reported to us that he saw many executions take place during the war (see TARGET 2, Priority 2 below). Although difficult to confirm, it appears
Eric leads an evening data review with joint team for next day planning, with Pat and Mark in the wings. C. Doyle ©2014
Tanks ready, Sean, Miles, Travis and Pat wait for the AUV run to complete. N. Scannon©2014
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different units (e.g., Imperial Japanese Navy, Imperial Japanese Army and Kempeitei (Military Police)) may have initiated different executions at different sites. After many years of research, we have narrowed down the possible American POW execution and burial sites to two jungle areas (designated in the P-MAN XI report as Area A and Area B). There exist some Japanese testimonies that all executions took place in Area A and that late in the war, at least some of the remains were exhumed, burned and buried on the southern edge just inside of AREA B. Because of the large numbers of possible executions over a period of months (July to August 1945), we have assumed both areas may have been used for both execution and burial. We also have assumed that not all executed POWs in these areas were exhumed and reburied. Finally, we have not excluded the possibility that there may have been more than one execution site. Bill Belcher, PhD, on personal leave, with global experience in MIA and POW search/recovery and Jolie Liston, PhD and archeologist from HI, who is deeply familiar with Palau and its ancient archeology, led this search effort. Additionally, Eric Terrill (SIO) brought aviation-generated LIDAR and 1m aperture radar data for review of the terrain. He also tasked SIO team member Evan Walsh with utilizing an unmanned aerial octocopter vehicle (UAV) for tactical aerial exploration of the areas with visual (GoPro) cameras and a long wave length infrared camera. This team, in composite, developed a plan to conduct an extended search mission in these areas and, after filing for a separate archeological permit from BAC/HPO, received permission to proceed. The approved protocol involved:
locating flattened areas or depressions in Areas A and B (14 were located, 8 in A and 6 in B including an L-shaped depression discovered several years ago during P-MAN XI.)
shovel testing while digging ~50x50x50cm trenches
screening the soil through ¼ inch (6mm) mesh or hardware cloth. One safety issue had to be dealt with before proceeding. AREA A may have been a munitions storage area and therefore was considered as having unexploded ordnance (UXO) within search areas. Very little evidence of human activity has been found in Area B to date but its proximity to Area A resulted in similar precautions. The unexploded ordnance removal team in Palau, Cleared Ground, graciously volunteered to conduct metal detection and, as appropriate, UXO clearance, in both Areas A and B. This was an enormous task which was accomplished under the direction of Cassandra and Steve Ballinger of Cleared Ground. Their team created a series of paths from the jungle edge to each of the 14 areas we designated for test trench investigation. The paths were screened by metal detectors and all metal signals marked by red stakes, after which the paths were cleared – any UXO (minimal amounts found) was disposed of. The same was done over and around each of the specific 14 test sites. After completion of this clearing effort, Cleared Ground declared the areas within the paths and targets sites safe for archeological evaluation. NOTE of APPRECIATION: We are so very appreciative of all the time and effort of Cleared Ground in volunteering to assist in our search programs. Post-mission, I sent a letter of appreciation on behalf of us all so stating this to the President of Palau. While the test sites were being dug and evaluated, Evan Walsh initiated his UAV photographic runs over Areas A and B. He developed grids which he used to fly the UAV autonomously at altitudes of 1- 400 feet above ground level. After collecting sufficient visual data from GoPro cameras, Evan then collected the first runs of long wave length infrared (IR) camera footage. The hypothesis for use of IR is that thermal signals of certain man-made objects might be detectable above a jungle canopy, since their heat capacities would be different from natural
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materials, if the signal can get through the jungle canopy. Should methods be developed which can utilize aerial long wave length IR imagery, such a technique might revolutionize the ability to screen relatively large areas of jungle before entering on foot. This year was unique because for this target area, the niece (Jo Schumacher, USAF, MSGT (ret)), of one of the known executed POWs (Lt. Arthur Schumacher) requested, with unanimous team agreement, to join the team as a special guest with the expressed desire to visit these sites and to help the team, as appropriate. In addition, former SEAL Marcus Luttrell, with his special interest in the UDT POWS, also with Governor Rick Perry visited these sites to learn more of our activities and to pay respects Of the 14 test trenches dug, one trench suggested that prior digging had occurred in that area. Based on the evidence accumulated to date, the conclusion from this survey of Areas A and B is that we have no clear idea of the existence of (with the one exception), or the extent of, man-made depressions in these areas. Area A appears to have had much more human activity within it, compared to Area B, and these appear related to logistical storage and guard posts. But this human activity would likely be independent, and separate from, any activities related to executions and burial. For example, in war crimes testimony, one Japanese POW recalled the smell of decomposition from an adjacent execution burial site. Thus, any Japanese in Area A would likely segregate a burial area a considerable distance from any Japanese military (and other human) activities – at the same time, Japanese war crimes testimony states the distance from the unloading of prisoners from the truck to the execution pit was not far, if for no other reason than the difficulty of walking bound prisoners through the jungle at night. Although the preliminary results are mostly negative, the one positive test trench area opens up the first indication of sub surface disturbances in either area. This will likely form the center of activity for further study on the next mission.
Burn Pit just outside NW Area A. Note the red stakes indicating either surface or sub surface
metal. This area has been cleared of brush but digging has not begun. W. Belcher©2014
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Test Trench in Burn Pit. Note the burn area does not extend at all below surface into white clay. The rusty 55 gallon drum which has evidence it may have been a burn barrel is located within 2 meters of the upper right of this photo. Courtesy, W. Belcher
©2014
A typical test trench in Area A. For overlaying red stakes, typically, no metal objects were found. Shifting screen is to the right. Courtesy, W. Belcher©2014
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L-Shaped Trench in Area B after clearing of brush but before trenches dug. Note berm along long side of the L. Also note in immediate area, trees circle around the cleared area – suggestive of possible man-made clearing at one point. Red Stakes indicate subsurface metal detection, although no metal was detected in test trenches in this area.
Courtesy, W. Belcher ©2014
From upper left by row: 1) Steve Ballinger (Cleared ground), Mark Swank, Jo Schumacher, Bill Belcher while the Cleared Ground Medic and Dan O’brien get ready: cars are between Areas A and B (and UXO blast pit is beyond cars). 2) Archeologist, Bill Belcher watches wanna-be archeologists step off the area around the burn pit (note 55 gallon drum) 3) Bill Belcher and Dan O’Brien at L-shaped trench, 4) Paul Reuter watches Evan Walsh prepare for octocopter take-off. 2), 3) D.
Gianokos©2014
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Priority 2 (RT-3): ~ 20 -23MAR, Further POW searches in northern Ngatpang. Based on the vivid recollections of three separate Palauan elders, who claim execution of POWS also occurred in a distinctly described area north of what we refer to as Police Hill, as well as Areas A and B. Post-war Palauan interviews tell of executions of Koreans and Indians on Babeldaob. We have conducted a multi-year search of this area north of Police Hill and have located numerous abandoned Japanese military sites (and some ancient Palauan sites); these are documented in several P-MAN Final reports. Late in the P-MANXV, we did some exploration south of the East-West Road which bisects the middle of Babeldaob. We found evidence of Japanese equipment and old roads suggestive of parts of what we had previously learned from Palauan elders. One now-deceased chief believed the POWs he saw executed were Korean, Indians, possibly Formosans, and other foreigners but not Americans. The execution site he described was at the end of a ridge with four flat stones where POWs were stood for execution, after which the bodies would fall into a pit between the stones. This description is very different from the hidden execution sites, used nocturnally, in Areas A and B – what this chief described is an open area used during the day. Such a site would have been difficult to use after American bombardment started in March 1944; therefore it may have been used prior to that time. Over the years, we have identified many key land marks he described in this area.
Several ridges exist to the northern end of Ngatpang State. In the past, we have located an area (“Headquarters Ridge”) about an hour (at least a young Palauan could hike it in an hour – we could not) north of the Police Station area, which meets some features of the execution ridge (eg, the ridge itself, evidence of foundations possibly of wooden structures, analogous to the Army buildings the chief mentioned, below the ridge and a cave system in roughly the correct place but carved out of stone, not made of concrete). However, we were taken there in the past because it was described as the commanding general’s (Major General Inoue) jungle headquarters, from which he commanded 20,000 troops on Babeldaob. In support of this being Inoue’s HQ are many trenches and fortifications around and beyond this ridge, which has not been fully characterized. The ridge itself had evidence that it served as a communication area with numerous batteries, electrical and radio equipment, as well as sporadic
Marcus Luttrell (sun glasses) listens to Jolie Liston (red cap) explain the process at the burn pit. Governor Rick Perry asks Pat Scannon about certain artifacts in the burn pit. All D. Gianokos©2014
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telephone/telegraph wires and insulators still present. We had not, however, assessed the ridge itself as the possible execution site described by the late chief. On 19MAR14, we decided to re-evaluate the ridge associated with the “Jungle HQ” area. We inserted northward into the jungle about a mile from the west side of the East-West Road. We found much the old trail, since our last hike, had been hit hard by recent typhoons with many uprooted trees and hill slides. Using the chief’s description as a guide, we took a long look at the ridge and re-confirmed the elements of similarity, but could not reach any firm conclusions. There were at least three depressions from the mid-point of the ridge to the point (~100 feet from the ridge point) at least 2 meters in one direction with variable second dimensions. No evidence of four stones was found at the ridge point or anywhere. I traveled down the point looking for stones perhaps thrown off but found none. However, this ridge is made of red clay and susceptible to rain erosion. We decided we should maintain our view that we cannot exclude the site but also we should continue to look at other sites. On 20MAR, we returned to the East-West Road, inserting southward at a point further west down the road under Joe Maldangesang’s guidance. The area has old, perhaps ancient, trails some which narrow or even end; generally we could stay on trails roughly headed south and west. This entire area is heavily infested by poison tree. We found a spot in a heavily forested and overgrown area with three adjacent stones, perhaps adjacent to, or on top of, an old platform and many uprooted trees. During one part of the hike, we came out into an open space facing south – we could see the Police Station hill ~ 1-2 miles away. Importantly, we saw at least two ridge lines to our front and left, which at a distance also fit the chief’s description. We decided to take the ridge in front of us (toward SW), although the ridge to our left deserves further exploration. As we got closer to the jungle hospital (we had previously located it just east of the Police Hill area across the river), we came across some piles of glass which I recognized immediately as test tubes, racks, red rubber stoppered vials, and Petri dishes (culture plates). Also present in the general area was a large electric motor, a boiler (no autoclave was recognized) and other debris scattered around ~ 15 meter diameter area. We left the area undisturbed taking only essential photos, as this may have been a hospital storage area or even a satellite microbiology lab (although why a microbiology lab would be separated from the main hospital is curious). Any wooden structures presumably were either dismantled by locals post-war or rotted long ago. We came out of the jungle near the hospital area, crossed the river and hiked up the hill to the Police Station area. It is very clear the entire area to the north/northeast from the Police Station Hill area all the way to the “Jungle HQ” ridge was populated by Japanese during the war. Literally tons of debris from armored vehicles to helmets are being slowly covered by jungle. Undoubtedly, this area of dense jungle was selected to hide in some distributed manner Inoue’s large army in part due to continuous aerial bombardment from March 1944 to war’s end. To remain hidden would have necessitated spreading out into smaller unit areas, which is consistent with what we have found. But what the roles of some of the debris sites we have located remains undetermined at this time – and beyond our current mission scope. The chief’s vivid description of an execution area suggests it should have distinct features, which we believe we have not yet located – we will continue to search for ridges with this profile.
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Derek Abbey (left) and Casey Doyle take a well-deserved break at 14TOPRIDGE2 in a clearing looking south. Arrow points to Police Station area. Note ridge line in front of them – we climbed that ridge. Another ridge (“two dot ridge”) to our left was also a possibility – for another day.
P. Scannon©2014
From upper left clockwise: Glassware consisting of test tubes (or for tube cultures), Petri dishes for culture plates and vials. A close up of a red stoppered vial which appeared empty and was left intact. A metal tank, possibly a boiler nearby. All P. Scannon©2014
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In conclusion, we located new evidence of Japanese presence throughout the hills south of the East-West Road but no new areas consistent with the Palauan chief’s description. Other ridges south of the east-West Road deserve further consideration. IV. Ceremonies A. Lt. Col. Billy Cantrell, USMC (ret), Peleliu Memorial Ceremony On 28 November 2013, our dear friend and hero, Lt. Col. William Cantrell, USMC (ret) passed away in Springfield Missouri, having lived a very full life of 90 years and one day. I first met Billy, as he like to be called, in the late nineties, when he invited me to the VMF-114 reunion in San Francisco. Billy had written a book, Friends, Dear Friends and Heroes, about his WWII experiences with both these men and his squadron mates who did not make it back home. It was a life-changing event to me to meet with these veteran combat Marine Corsair aviators and listening to their war memories (I cannot refer to them as “stories”). Billy (his call sign was “Nose” about which he was very proud) and I stayed in touch and on two occasions I flew to Springfield to spend time with him. In 2002 (P-MAN IV) Billy returned for the first time since WWII with us to Palau to see post-war Peleliu and the rest of Palau on the ground: other than battle-torn Peleliu, he had only seen Palau from his Corsair. His last landing in his Corsair on Peleliu Field was after being wounded by enemy ground fire, for which he received the Purple Heart.
From upper left: various labels on different devices in the area with microbiology equipment.
Label in lower right was on a large electric motor. All S. Richardson©2014
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Billy’s loving daughter, Robin, also a dear friend of ours, let me know of Billy’s passing and invited me to Springfield to participate in Billy’s memorial in the chapel of his beloved Drury College. With me were BentProp team members Major Derek Abbey, USMC, Dan O’Brien and Val Thal. During that visit, Robin asked if we would be willing to spread his ashes over the ocean off of Peleliu Beach – a last request of Billy’s. We said we would find the way to do it – and invited her to participate. Robin accepted and escorted her father’s ashes to Palau. We notified the President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. of our wanting to grant this last wish. He responded that this was the first time he ever heard of an American who survived the Peleliu battle, wanting his ashes brought back to Peleliu. President Remengesau fully supported Billy’s last wish and requested to be part of the ceremony. Of course, we notified the Governor of Peleliu, Temmy Shmull (whom I have known since my first visit to Palau in 1993), who generously offered his support. We had no idea that this would turn into a very large ceremony. On 09 April 2014, a Memorial Service was held at South Dock on western Peleliu. Major Derek Abbey, USMC, and Major (elect) Casey Doyle, USMC, ran the ceremony preparations and the ceremony itself. Dan O’Brien arranged with Matt Harris and Mandy & Shallum Etpison, kind permission for the use of their helicopter for the aerial spreading of Lt. Col. Cantrell’s ashes over the ocean in front of Orange Beach. Dan did a superb job of coordinating/rehearsing with Matt the release of Billy’s ashes. On that morning, Robin Cantrell, escorted by team member Nell Scannon, escorted Billy’s ashes by helicopter to Peleliu Field, landing on the same N-S runway the wounded Nose Cantrell had last landed his Corsair almost exactly seventy years ago. At South Dock, Governor Shmull had arranged for the Peleliu women to wear ceremonial dresses (an honor that Billy, I am sure, enjoyed) and, in all, unexpectedly, more than a hundred people from all over Palau witnessed the ceremony. Major Abbey opened the ceremony, followed by words from President Remengesau, Governor Rick Perry (a guest participant during P-MAN XVI, see below), Governor Temmy Shmull and me. Both President Remengesau and Governor Shmull expressed appreciation, each in his own way, for the American liberation of Palau – in part symbolized by the actions of Lt. Col. Cantrell and the sacrifices made by the many Americans who died on Orange and White beaches nearby. Governor Perry talked about the sacrifices made by America’s military in defense of freedom around the world – and the lasting connections such as this one that can and do result. Robin Cantrell was asked by Governor Shmull if she wished to speak – which she most eloquently did (she takes after her father with that talent). Major Doyle closed the ceremony, asking everyone to proceed to the shoreline on the north edge of South Dock. Dan O’Brien escorted Robin Cantrell back to the helicopter and, shortly thereafter, LT. Col. Billy “Nose” Cantrell took off for his last flight. The helicopter’s pilot and our colleague, Matt Harris, with great precision flew northward, turning south over the water in front of White Beach, flying 300 feet AGL, past South Dock before circling westward back to return within 1000 feet in front of South Dock, releasing Billy’s ashes, per his request, over the ocean off Orange Beach. This will be remembered by Americans and Palauans alike, for a long time.
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Later, the BentProp Project P-MAN XVII Team, with Robin Cantrell, snuck away from the rest of the visiting party and held a special, and private, ceremony for Billy on the North-South runway. B. R. V. Burgin, USMC, Peleliu Ceremony
Upper left, by row: “NOSE” Cantrell on VMF114 Peleliu flight line, 1944 (with permission, family of Tim O’Sullivan); Pat and Billy on NS Runway, Peleliu Field, 2002 (with permission); Billy examining unknown American wreckage off west Ngatpang, 2002, with permission; Billy’s Memorial, Springfield, MO, P Scannon©2013; MAJ. D. Abbey, Gov. T. Shmull, President T. Remengesau, Jr., Gov. R. Perry, P. Scannon with Robyn Cantrell in foreground (N. Scannon©2014); Robin with the Red Ladies of
Peleliu, With Permission; Billy’s final landing, F. Colmer©2014.
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In November 2013, I received a call from Governor Rick Perry, who had just finished reading Wil Hylton’s “Vanished”, inquiring whether we would consider he and certain Texan guests of interest visit in Palau with us during our next mission. The guests included R. V. Burgin, former Corporal, USMC, who landed on Orange Beach as part of the First Marine Division’s invasion of Peleliu on 15 September 1944, and former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, who was the subject of the book and movie, “The Lone Survivor”. R. V. Burgin, 91 years old, wished to land again at Orange Beach one more time to honor his fellow Marines who both survived and died there during intense combat during September to November, 1944. Marcus Luttrell was interested in our efforts in searching for the missing UDT POWs (see P-MAN XI Final Mission Summary), specifically related to our work this year in Ngatpang State. On 09 March 2014, R. V. Burgin, escorted by Governor Rick Perry and the BentProp team, returned to Orange Beach. He recalled the sand had not changed but all the trees now growing just off the beach looked very different. He walked for a while alone on the beach and then generously took time to have pictures taken with him – and there was a line of people waiting. Later that day, we completed one other request by RV Burgin, which was to visit Ngesebus island ( a short boat ride north of Peleliu), on which in 1944 then-Corporal Burgin knocked out a Japanese bunker under intense enemy fire. Cleared Ground, under the direction of Casandra and Steve Ballinger, generously offered and with a great deal of effort cleared a path of all UXO from the shore to the bunker, and supplied an EMT, so that all could easily make the hike to that site – a hike R. V. Burgin assured us was a lot more peaceful than his of seventy years ago. He took the time to patiently describe what happened – I had read about this in detail both R.V.
R. V. Burgin, Corporal, USMC, K Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, with his Governor Rick Perry (Texas) and Pat Scannon. Of all the poises, my favorite is the three Marines on Orange Beach: R. V. Burgin, USMC, flanked by Major
Derek Abbey, USMC and Major Casey Doyle, USMC. F. Colmer© 2014
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Burgin’s book, Islands of the Damned: A Marine at War in the Pacific, and in Eugene Sledge’s book, With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa, but seeing what R.V. Burgin experienced affected all of us.
C. Governor Rick Perry, US State of Texas, Congressional Ceremony and Dinner During Governor Perry’s visit to Palau, the Palauan House of Delegates and the Palauan Senate invited Governor Perry to address a specially called Joint Session of Congress and on 10 March 2014, President of the Senate Elias Chin made opening remarks welcoming Governor Perry and read a Joint Proclamation making Governor Perry an honorary citizen of Palau. Senator Chin also recognized the BentProp Project and the entire house stood for us. Governor Perry delivered his speech, stressing the important of ties, across many pressing issues of today, between not just the countries, but the peoples within these countries. The speech was very well received by all in attendance.
RV Burgin listens to a safety briefing from Steve Ballinger of Cleared Ground after returning to Ngesebus island – under peaceful circumstances, F. Colmer©2014; Governor Perry and R.V. Burgin before the bunker with the Texas State Flag, F. Colmer©2014; the photo to the right gives a better perspective of the bunker, N. Scannon©2014
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That evening a dinner was held for Governor and Mrs. Perry and the joint P-MAN XVII team: BentProp, SIO, UDEL were all invited. Senators Mason Whipps, Surangel Whipps, Jr, Senator Chin, Chief Ibedul (former US Army), Chief Reklai (former US Marine), and many more dignitaries attended. Governor Perry gave a gracious speech acknowledging his honorary citizenship. This was followed by a traditional Palau feast and traditional dancing by both girls and boys. V. Stockbridge High School Summary
The BentProp Project also continued its educational outreach with the Stockbridge High School Advanced Robotics (SHS) team which returned to Palau for the third year. Making numerous improvements over last year’s ROV, the SHS team spent 6 days on the water interrogating several areas in and around Western Lagoon and Malakal Harbor, while working on continuing field improvements. In addition, the SHS team presented a robot to the Koror Elementary
From upper left by row: Palauan Hall of Congress, D. Gianokos©2014; Governor Perry receiving Joint Proclamation of Honorary Citizenship after his speech, P. Scannon©2014; Governor Perry speaking at dinner, J. Schumacher©2014; Three Marines: Derek Abbey and Casey Doyle flanking Chief Reklai, former Marine, F. Colmer©2014; Two photos of joint team at dinner, R. Cantrell©2014; Traditional boys’ dance after
dinner, R. Cantrell©2014
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science class so that Palauan children can start learning new technologies as well. In summary, the SHS Advanced Robotics Team, under the leadership of Mr. Bob Richards with support from Mr. Josh Nichols and Ms. Lori Zemke, had a third successful mission to Palau, while also helping the search efforts of the BentProp Project. Read their considerable progress in more detail at https://m.facebook.com/StockbridgeRobotics . VI. Documentary and Film Production Activities Much to the amazement of the entire p-MAN XVI team, four separate film production crews joined us during our mission. Fortunately for everyone, they did not all arrive at once! And they had separate objectives. What we made clear was that our mission would take priority and that we were not actors (we got no arguments on that point): what they saw was what they got. The four companies with links to their products include: Go-Pro: http://gopro.com/news/how-gopro-cameras-are-helping-in-the-search-for-wwii-mias C-NET: http://www.cnet.com/news/how-bentprop-and-undersea-robots-found-long-lost-wwii-bombers/ Sixty Minutes with Anderson Cooper: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-forgotten-corner-of-hell-
bentprop-in-palau/ Pursuit Productions: Ongoing We all give high marks to these crews – they all did a great job of “shadowing” us, especially since there was lots of on-the-job learning for them while following us around, which is tough enough as a team member. VII. Notes of Appreciation from the BentProp Project Team Leader After completing the factual components of each P-MAN final report, I pause to reflect upon the elements resulting in the mission’s successes. Each mission, and its “spirit”, has been unique, in part because each team has been likewise unique. And since each team is made up of dedicated individuals who have worked hard to accomplish our mission goals, expressing gratitude to these individuals is important to me and the entire team. Capturing succinctly this year’s efforts and accomplishments is a real challenge, as approximately eighty people (in the past, 6-12 people) traveled to Palau to participate in, provide support for and document P-MAN XVI. And that does not include the generous support from the many people of Palau at the national, multiple state and local levels – which I am sure would easily double this number, if I attempted to acknowledge everyone. To do justice to each person involved would result in a long extension to an already long report and yet to say nothing would likewise be an injustice. What you read below is my attempt to acknowledge our many P-MAN XVI participants. Permit me to start by recognizing and thanking the P-MAN XVI Team in its entirety. Words continue to evade me as to how best express my appreciation – but perhaps knowing that every action taking by each of you has helped bring news from the “front” (for that is where these tragic events occurred so long ago) back to these families provides a surrogate, or even better, all that is needed.
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a) Scripps Institution of Oceanography (All from CA except as noted): Eric Terrill, PhD (Team Leader), Andy Nager, Billy Middleton (HI), Shannon Scott, Myles Syverud, Paul Reuter, Travis Shramek, Evan Walsh b) University of Delaware (All from DE except as noted): Mark Moline, PhD (Team Leader), Ian Brown, Megan Cimino, Hunter Brown c) Coral Reef Research Foundation: Pat Colin, PhD, Lori Colin, MS
d) Stockbridge High School Advanced Underwater Robotics Team (all MI): Bob Richards, Josh Nichols, Lori Zemke, Jeremy Spinks, Karly Kruger, Chloe Hypes, Luke Olsen, Blake Jackson, Skeeter Ballagh, Maddy Armstrong, Emma Morris e) P-MAN XVI: Patrick J. Scannon, MD, PhD (CA) (Team Leader), Bill Belcher, PhD (HI), Flip Colmer (MI), Dan O’Brien (CA), Maj. Derek Abbey (NC/CA), Mark Swank (VA), Capt. Casey Doyle (TX), Rick Smith (WA), Nell Scannon (CA), Sean Richardson (CA), Dave Gianakos (CO), Jolie Liston, PhD (HI), Joe Maldangesang (Palau) with Special Guests Robin Cantrell-Hogg (TX) and Jo Schumacher (WA). It almost, but not quite, goes without saying our special team guests, Jo Schumacher and Robin Cantrell-Hogg added much to our mission by reinforcing why we join together on our missions. Because they were with the team in every way, I have intermingled their photos with ours.
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From upper left, by row: SIO and UDEL team on Kemadukl as seen from Matt’s low flying helicopter, C. Doyle©2014; P-MAN XVI team watching SHS at Sam’s, F. Colmer©2014; Eric inseparable from his Navigator (thank goodness!), D. Gianakos©2014; Pat and Lori Colin on Ngesebus, F. Colmer©2014; Eric, Pat and Mark at an evening brief – I did not realize I was that short! C. Doyle©2014; L to R: Hunter, Pat C., Paul, Mark and Shannon at LT. Col. Cantrell’s ceremony, F. Colmer©2014; Bill and Nell (with her rendition of B-24 ‘453) in Area B, F. Colmer©2014; SHS and P-MAN XVI teams at Sam’s, With
Permission; Hiking into Area B through elephant grass, F. Colmer©2014
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From upper left, by row: Jo at her special place in Area B with Dave, Mark Swank, Dan and Bill, With Permission; USAF with USAAF: Sean at B-24 ‘058 wing on Iberor, With Permission; Casey in shorts and Pat on ‘453 fuselage, D. Abbey©2014; Andy getting AUV going in Aimeliik, P. Scannon©2014; Pat, Flip, Sean and Eric all look over Megan’s shoulder at AUV data, N. Scannon©2014; Joe, Nell, Bill and Derek cleaned up, P. Scannon©2014; Mark Moline contemplating his next dive, S. Richardson©2014; Bill and Jolie scope out burn pit, P. Scannon©2014; Dan running helicopter ceremony, R. Cantrell-Hogg©2014; Night briefs can be long: Eric, Shannon and Megan, P. Scannon©2014; Andy hard at work getting ready for next day, F. Colmer©2014; Happy Newbie Dave, F. Colmer©2014; Joe and Casey on jungle break, F. Colmer©2014; SIO’s R/V Roger Revelle in port, R. Cantrell-Hogg©2014; Travis, Shannon and Hunter in front of SIO Project Discover banner, C. Doyle©2014; Getting ready for a dive, P-MAN XVI
team, J. Schmacher©02014; Derek GoPro selfie, D. Abbey©2014
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Two pages of photographs about these five integrated teams do not begin to reveal this mission’s spirit, the dedication and the joy we experienced working together. Place them in the context of the factual side of the report and perhaps a flavor of the mission’s spirit emerges – at least that is my hope after reviewing literally thousands of photos and GoPro footage taken. To me, the cover page photo of the Flag Ceremony comes closest. This year the BentProp Project, with SIO and UDEL, succeeded twice in discovering new MIA sites, where alone, we had failed before. Patience can be a virtue but, in these instances, advanced technologies in the right hands proved that one need not be relegated to patience only. I say in the right hands for good reason: what made our partnership with SIO and UDEL work so well is that these scientists and engineers also shared in the passion of our mission and goals. The days were long and the nights no shorter because of the need to prepare the search areas for the next day – no 9 to 5 hours in this tropical paradise for any of us. Looking at our two Flag Ceremonies from this year reveals the truth of our partnership: the BentProp, SIO and UDEL teams on that boat are indistinguishable in emotion and pride. Now permit me to recognize and thank the generous support we received from the national and state level: a) Office of the President, including President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. and his Press Secretary, Mr. Keobel Sakuma President Remengesau has been, and continues to be, a great supporter of our efforts. We have been told by many that the President “owns the waters around Palau’ – so we take our relationship to Palau’s President very seriously. President Remengesau is a scuba diving President (wonder how many of those exist!) and he has done us the honor of diving with us now several times. When we told him, during our annual courtesy call (above left, with Permission, 2014), about Lt. Col. Cantrell’s ceremony, he expressed a strong interest in participating. The photo on the right (J. Schumacher©2014) is that of Robin Cantrell-Hogg hugging the President of Palau after his thoughtful words to Robin about her father. One person not in these photos is “KB” Sakuma. I have been going to Palau so long that I met his father, Bena, when KB was a small boy – and now here he is Press Secretary to the President. Somehow during the many meetings we had with KB, we did not get his picture (we will remedy that). All I can say is KB is a very patient and helpful person who was able to help us successfully coordinate the VIP and film teams with our mission and make it all look easy. We appreciate President Remengesau and Mr. Sakuma for all their help.
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b) Senator Elias Chin, President of the Senate, and Senator Mason Whipps We first met Senator Chin (also a retired US Army helicopter pilot) when he was Palau’s Vice President. Senator Chin has always expressed a strong interest in our work: here he presides (upper left) over the Joint Session of Congress honoring Governor Rick Perry (second from lower left). This photo encompasses an important statement about Palau government: Senator Chin presides with Speaker of the House Anastacio, with President Remengesau (lower right) – all constitutionally elected. Flanking them in places of honor are the two Paramount Chiefs of Palau: The Ibedul (lower left) and the Reklai. We cannot say enough about Senator Mason Whipps, another long term supporter, but apparently we did not photograph him this time (also to be corrected). His father, Surangel (now retired, is both a former Delegate and Senator) and his brother, Surangel, Jr. also a Senator, have helped us in many ways over the years – we so appreciate all the Whipps family has done for us. c) The Palauan Bureau of Arts and Culture/Historical Preservation Office, including Ms. Sunny Ngirmang, Director, and Mr. Calvin Emesiochel, Deputy Director We also acknowledge support of Ms. Sunny Ngirmang, Director of the Palauan Bureau of Arts and Culture/Preservation Office (BAC/HPO), and Mr. Calvin Emesiochel, Deputy Director of BAC/HPO (team photo in BAC/HPO office, S. Richardson©2014). In Palau, we make our formal requests and report out our results to them. Both have been supportive and helpful – especially in making sure we understand the cultural and legal implications, as well as boundaries, in the conduct of our mission. Our many thanks to both the Director and Deputy Director.
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d) The State Offices for the Palauan States of Koror (Ms. Hulda Belesam, Koror Administrator for Governor Yoshataka Adachi), Aimeliik (Governor Lilani Reklai), Peleliu (Governor Temmy Shmull), Ngatpang (Governor Takamura Erungel) We do not forget that we also coordinate with the States in which we conduct our searches. Once again, we have received nothing but first class treatment from each Governor. They do want to ensure that we get our permits and they do so both willingly and cheerfully. On left is Governor Reklai of Aimeliik State (photo with permission), having just signed our research permit. In the middle, is Koror State’s office where we received our permit from Ms. Hulda Belesam on behalf of Governor Adachi (S. Richardson©2014), while on the right is Governor Temmy Shmull, of Peleliu State, speaking near Orange Beach in honor of Lt. Col. Billy Cantrell (D. Gianakos©2014). We did not get a picture of Governor Erungel, but we all want to express our appreciation for all the Palau State offices for their help. And finally just some of our many Palau friends at the local level. Most have been our friends and colleagues for many years; all have been supporters in so many ways that it is impossible to fully describe here. Furthermore, we want to thank not just these listed below but all the people living in Palau who without hesitation help us not just this year, but every year. a) Cassandra and Steve Ballinger, Cleared Ground Cassandra and Steve Ballinger, out of Australia, have spent years of their lives making Peleliu and many parts of Palau a safer place to live and visit. We must not forget that some scars of war do not readily fade away. Unexploded ordnance (UXO) is an example – and the Ballingers’ Cleared Ground Demining operation has conducted UXO disposal around the globe. US warships alone during the preliminary bombardment of Peleliu expended 2,255 tons of ordnance (Ref: History of U.S. Marine Corps Operations in World War Two, Vol 4, 1971, page 103) and that does not include American aviation ordnance dropped over Peleliu, nor American ordnance dropped over Koror, Babeldaob and other parts of Palau during no fewer than nine separate US Navy, US Army Air Corps and US Marine Corps air campaigns. This
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number likewise does not include the Imperial Japanese Navy and Imperial Japanese Army ordnance expended and hidden throughout Palau. The Ballingers and their NGO have dedicated a substantial portion of their careers to the safe disposal of many tons of UXO on Palau. And they have specifically helped us make some of our searches possible: as mentioned above, Cleared Ground made sure the areas we searched in Ngatpang were safe through painstaking efforts prior to our initiation. Then they took us by hand through these areas to make sure we were safe at all times. They also generously cleared the path on Ngesebus so that we could all witness R. V. Burgin re-visit his time there fighting a very determined enemy. It is not just us who thank the Ballingers and Cleared Ground, but also our families. Pictures above: Cassandra walks with Shannon Scott of Scripps on Ngesebus, F. Comer©2014); Cleared Ground truck, J. Schumacher©2014); Steve (on left) with his ever present EMT, Jason (thank you, Jason!), give a briefing to Mark and Dave (F. Colmer©2014). b) Neco Marine, especially Mandy and Shallum Etpison and Jennie Basco (no photo available) took great care of us, as always! Superb service and always ready to accommodate last minute changes. Special thanks to Mandy and Shallum for offering their tourist helicopter for use in the Cantrell ceremony and to Matt Harris for taking the time for both the rehearsals and the ceremony – we could not have done this without the generosity of everyone at Neco Marine! Mandy and Shallum Etpison at their Drop-off Restaurant (best lemonade in Palau!) looking at a signed limited edition print of a B-24 we found in Palau – a gift from us in appreciation for all their interest and support. Matt Harris, pilot extraordinaire, always willing to help out, getting ready for the Cantrell ceremony with Dan O’Brien on the Peleliu runway used first by Japanese, then American forces during WWII, R. Cantrell-Hogg©2014. c) Margie and Dave Mendozza – Margie and Dave, please do not be offended by the lack of a photograph from our last mission. You are special friends, not only because you still serve the best Mexican food and Margaritas, (not only in Palau but anywhere!) but also because, you provide a home away from home for all of us to gather, share stories and relax a while. We have come to look forward to getting to Palau to be able to visit with you. Next time – we get photos! d) Sam Scott and Dermot Keane at Sam’s Tours. Sam and Dermot have always made themselves available to help out where they can. Whether lending us 4-wheel drive vans or opening their dive shop so we can give talks, we know we have Sam and Dermot as friends to assist us, as best they can. In the photo below, the Stockbridge High School students once again discuss their Palau mission at Sam’s (with Sam doing the intro and Dermot nearby). Thanks, my friends! F. Colmer©2014.
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e) Kassi Berg and Jeff Barabe at OTV/Roll’em Productions. We have gotten to know Kassi and Jeff by working together in many different ways over the years. I am sure they started off viewing us with curiosity (“who are those guys, really?”), but we have become fast friends and colleagues. They have filmed our work for a variety of venues and Roll’em is the go-to place for filming that we call, whether we are in-country or back at home. And upon occasion, they will send photos of mystery wrecks which only get us more excited about returning to Palau! Below, Jeff and Dan get caught up on what has been happening in Palau, S. Richardson©2014. f) Dr. Vic Yano: I first met Dr. Yano when he served as Ministry of Health for the Republic of Palau. We have also worked on some programs together of national interest, such as the Palauan influenza program. Over the years, it has been my pleasure to meet other members of his family. Last year, it occurred to me that after coming to Palau for more than 20 years, perhaps I should get my Palauan Medical License (to carry along with my California License). Dr. Yano helped me greatly in moving my application through their system and in 2014, I received my license to practice medicine in Palau. My first stop was at Dr. Yano’s Belau Medical Clinic where I was asked to talk about the history of the BentProp Project, which I did with team member, Casey Doyle, during their lunch break (With permission, 2014). Dr. Yano wears the purple top. Thanks so much, Dr. Yano, and I look forward to working with you in the future! Our appreciation does not stop with the borders of the Republic of Palau because we also had BentProp team members and partners helping us stateside or supporting our collaborations, just some of whom include: a) Professor Mark Anderson, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California San Diego: Through an introduction by Eric Terrill, Mark began helping us develop novel statistical approaches to finding missing aircraft. Using Bayesian methodologies, we worked together to help improve our chances of locating a missing B-24. He did this on a purely voluntary basis: in essence, we fed him new data when we went to bed and by the time we woke up, he had completed and sent back the calculations
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and simulations. During this same time, we were watching other academic centers using similar methods in search of a missing Malaysian airliner. Amazing stuff, Mark! Thank you from all of us. b) Col. Kathy Hughes, USAF, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Col Hughes (“Fog”) learned that we needed some archival data from Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama – so she flew her personal plane from Georgia to get the information we needed in time for us to make some field decisions. Thank you so much, Kathy – we were very impressed by your willingness to help us on a moment’s notice! c) Teresa Paluszkiewicz, PhD, Office of Naval Research. Dr. Paluszkiewicz has worked with Eric Terrill and Mark Moline for several years with their AUVs. The application of utilizing these technologies for BentProp’s underwater searches would not have been possible without her support. Thank you, D Paluszkiewicz, with appreciation also for ONR’s cooperation I also am privileged and thankful to recognize our distinguished guests and support group from the Great State of Texas that we had the honor of visiting with us: a) Governor (and former USAF C-130 pilot) and Mrs. Rick Perry, of the Great State of Texas, and their daughter, Sydney. After Governor Perry called me in November 2013, little did any of us realize how much Governor Perry would become engaged with our mission. As described above, with the Governor, we commemorated R.V. Burgin’s return to Peleliu and introduced Marcus Luttrell to our work concerning the UDT, and other, missing POWs. But the Governor also participated in our ceremony for Lt. Col. Cantrell and spent time with the Stockbridge students. This most unusual aspect of this (or any prior) mission went very well – it gave us time to reflect on our vision, while also pausing, with Governor Perry and his team, to celebrate being Americans and to honor those who died, and those who lived, defending our country. On a personal level, I have never had the opportunity to meet and get to know an American Governor, and perhaps a Presidential contender. In the months before leaving for Palau, despite his busy schedule, Governor Perry regularly called me in California and discussed a number of topics in preparation for the mission. Intentionally on my part, at all times, I steered clear of politics and I came to know the Governor as a perceptive and receptive individual who really cares about our country, our military and their families. His close relationship with both R.V. and Marcus spans at least seven decades of our country’s military history. One might have thought from his talk at Lt. Col. Cantrell’s memorial that he knew Billy – he did not, but rather, he demonstrated a real understanding of what members of our military, and their families, go through and care about. We flew back together and he shared his family album with me, a personal gesture I will not forget. I found Governor Perry to be a good man, a proud Texan, an even prouder American, who dearly loves his family (and his dog Scout) and truly cares for his friends - it has been my privilege to get to know him for this short while.
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b) R. V. Burgin, Corporal, USMC and his daughter, Terrie Burgin b) Once a Marine, always a Marine: R.V. Burgin is the living personification of this oft-stated truism. Having R.V. on Peleliu and Ngesebus (our team had never gone on Ngesebus before) brought that battle’s realities as close as they will ever be without having lived through those times (and as close as we would ever want to be to them). Amidst the crowd that gathered around him, R.V. was the calm and quiet one – the rest of us stood in awe, a bunch of groupies around a 91 year old man. Terrie (in above left photo, with permission, 2014), who has attended Marine reunions with her father, was used to the effect this quiet American had on us. It was quite remarkable how R.V. took all the questions on Orange Beach and Ngesebus (above right photo, F. Colmer©2014) about his time in Palau with such grace, especially since he had to be flashing back to a time when he was a combat Marine under intense enemy fire and not just a guest on a peaceful holiday. That day was one we will always remember. c) Melanie and Marcus Luttrell, former Navy SEAL
Governor Perry and R.V. Burgin meet the Stockbridge High School Robotics team, F. Colmer©2014; President Remengesau, RV Burgin and the Governor on Peleliu, F. Colmer©2014 the Governor speaks at LT. Col.
Cantrell’s memorial, J. Schumacher©2014
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Of the Luttrell couple, Melanie is the outgoing one. Marcus is a man of few words, who has seen much of war and its consequences – and at great cost. He spent time with us but stayed quiet most of the time. We felt his wanting to learn more about the fates of the UDT POWs captured on Yap and executed in Ngatpang State reflected his desire to honor their sacrifices and we were glad to have him with us. Perhaps at another time we will get to know Marcus Luttrell a little better. Upper right: from left to right, Watching Governor Perry address Joint Session of Congress: unknown person, Mrs. Anita Perry (in light turquoise), Ms. Sydney Perry, Mrs. Melanie Luttrell, Marcus Luttrell and Mrs. Kay Anderson, D. Gianakos©2014; Marcus and R.V., R. Perry©2014. d) Kay and Darcy Anderson were introduced to us as the hosts for the Texas team and, from beginning to completion, they did take great care of the Texans, especially R. V. and Terrie Burgin. Darcy, former US Army and West Point graduate, also took the time to learn about what the P-MAN XVI team was doing and we got to know each other – at least a little. At first, with so many Texans on the ground with us, we needed help sorting out all the inter-relationships: Darcy proved invaluable in educating us. Thank you Kay and Darcy for your support of our efforts! We all hope we get the opportunity to work with you again. Kay and Darcy on Peleliu, F. Colmer©2014.
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e) Steve Bohnenkamp (and former USN aviator) and Aircrew. This aircrew had the responsibility of getting Governor Perry, his family and R.V. and Terrie Burgin, among others, to and from Palau. Steve from the time we first met wanted to volunteer to help us during our mission. They visited Peleliu of course to tour the battlefield, as well as seeing other parts of Palau. But the aircrew also got into the mud, screening clumps of wet dirt from the test trenches up in Areas A and B (with permission of Steve Bohnenkamp, 2014). Finally, I do want to recognize both the professional and friendly interactions we had with the four (!) film production crews: a) C-NET: Daniel Terdiman joined the team early along with GoPro and was a one man operation doing interviews, camera, video (Daniel at sea, F. Colmer©2014) – and he produced a first rate product on time. Being early also meant he was present during some of our important findings, which he was able to incorporate into the article. In fact of the four crews in Palau, his article (link above) came out first. It was a pleasure working with you, Daniel. b) Go-Pro: Rick Loughery (US), Aaron Huffman (US), Nathan Lee and Patrick Barrett. Through Eric Terrill, I first met Rick, Aaron and Nate in one of GoPro’s offices in northern California, where we agreed on GoPro following us during our mission. Nate (lower left, S.
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Richardson©2014) and Pat (lower right, F. Colmer©2014) were almost ghosts they were so good at capturing what they needed with almost unnoticeable disruption. GoPro’s goal was to product a ~12 minute story and they hit just at the right time of the P-MAN XVI mission to get the story they wanted. It went live in November and has had nearly a million views so far. All of us got along really well with Nate and Pat – and we hope we will have the chance to work with them again. To top the experience off, GoPro donated three camera set ups which we used extensively in our own documentation: Nate, I guarantee we used them a because I have spent hours reviewing the footage for this report. Thank you, GoPro for your generosity! c) 60 Minutes: Dave Schneider (producer), Joyce Gesundheit (assistant producer), Anderson Cooper and film crew. Again, through Eric Terrill, David Schneider called me and I suggested that Joyce and David meet me in San Francisco at the Marines’ Memorial Hotel – to help set the tone. They made the most of a quick trip to Palau because Anderson Cooper had to be back in the US for the anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing. Anderson Cooper was a great sport and got down in the mud with us in our POW search area (Jo, Pat, Anderson, Bill and Derek just before going into the jungle, with permission, 2014) and dove with us on B-24 ‘453. In the middle photo, Joyce, in purple, can be seen filming with the GoPro and David, in red (and rather elusive himself for getting photographed) photographing the divers. Far right, Anderson interviewed me just after I surfaced and we just went at it – I did not realize till later I had not even taken my gear off! This crew, with Anderson, did a terrific job resulting in the airing on 23 November 2014. I knew it must have been good because friends on the east coast, 3 hours ahead of me, started calling before any of us west coasters had seen it. Over 17 million viewers were introduced to the BentProp Project that evening. Quite an adventure. d) Pursuit Productions: Dan Friedkin, Lauren Whitesell, Carissa Buffel, Chris Woods and Film Crew. The Governor introduced Dan Friedkin to me after sending Dan a copy of Wil Hylton’s “Vanished”. Dan and I discussed the making of a full length documentary about BentProp around the P-MAN XVI mission and, after discussing with the P-MAN XVI team, we decided to go for it. What the heck, we already had three crews coming so a fourth could still work – and we were right. Dan is a well know WWII aviation expert and routinely flies several war birds so we spoke similar languages from the beginning (although I fly airplanes as a passenger only!).
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Dan wanted not just to make the documentary but also wanted to participate. In the lower right, Dan (in light blue shirt), Eric and Lauren attend one of our morning briefings. Dan dove with us doing searches and on several crash sites (and Lauren dove on at least two along with us). Dan’s expertise in flying these warbirds is such that when we dove on Captain McCullah’s Corsair, by looking at how everything in the cockpit remained configured, he did tell me every step made by Captain McCullah in his near perfect water landing (see P-MAN XIV Final Report); lower right, the BentProp fleet headed to the Corsair crash site!, F. Colmer©2014). Having also flown Hellcats himself, Dan’s dive on the Hellcat crash site we found during p-MAN XVI, gave him the different perspective of seeing an MIA site first hand. Since this is Pursuit Productions first big documentary, we all learned a lot also working with Carissa Buffel and Chris Woods – which we will apply during P-MAN XVII when Pursuit Productions returns with us to finish the documentary. e) And now I take author’s privilege to express my special appreciation to my daughter, Nell, for joining the team this year. She went with me to Palau in 1996, before BentProp was even
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formed and helped me shape my ideas of what to do with what we were learning in those early days. She is working successfully in the wine business in Napa Valley, as well as writing screen plays, and I was more than excited she could pull away and join us. Since she was just learning to scuba dive (Thanks, Hunter!), she spent a lot of time drawing the aircraft we were searching for – and we have already put some of these drawings to good use. It had been years since Nell and I spent so much time together and I will treasure our time together in Palau always. Obviously, the beautiful one in the photo is Nell (left, in a rain storm, S. Richardson©2014; center, at Peleliu for the Cantrell ceremony, with permission, 2014; right, perhaps my most favorite picture ever with my daughter, F. Colmer©2014 (thanks, Flip!). I love you, my Dearest Daughter. Our appreciation would be incomplete without acknowledging the ongoing support of the several agencies in the United States that are assisting our efforts. We recognize here the newly formed Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, DPAA (derived from the combining of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, Hawaii and the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office, Arlington, VA), the National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, MD and the U. S. Naval Heritage and Historical Center, Navy Yard, Washington, D. C., They have always enthusiastically provided and continue to support us with the technical and historical information we have sought and continue to seek – and much more. We also wish to acknowledge that we greatly value the recollections (and photos) from veteran aviators, crews, families and friends from VMF-114, VMF-121, VMF-122, VMTB-134, 307th BG(H)/13th AAF, 5th BG(H)/13th AAF and 494th BG(H)/7th AAF as well as other units in the Pacific during WWII – all these veterans risked their lives for our country and the people of Palau. These men, their wives, families (especially now the children) and friends are even now continuing to provide historical and emotional snapshots of that time and place – and over the years, we have gained so many special relationships as a result. As time goes by, we value these friends of ours even more. The BentProp Project continues to expand its technology base, along with finding the dedicated people who are helping us optimize the application of these instruments for our searches. We reiterate our thanks to Marine Sonic for their generous donation of SSS equipment and support, as well as to Chesapeake Software which is extending our abilities to interpret SSS data.
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Even a casual glance across all these special people should be convincing enough that a lot of people participated and supported our P-MAN XVI mission. All I can convey here is my deepest appreciation to all who participated both up-close and personal and from afar. It is my hope the reader having gotten this far, will not only have an understanding of our findings during P-MAN XVI, but also a sense for this mission’s spirit. It was a memorable mission for all of us – and the MIA families, who hopefully will benefit from our efforts, will also one day be able to read about all who made it possible.
Patrick J. Scannon, MD, PhD Team Leader http://www.bentprop.org/ [email protected]
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Many Specific and Special Thanks to:
As with every expedition I have made back to Palau, I want to thank my family for their ongoing and unfailing love and enthusiasm. My wife, Susan, continues, without hesitation, in her incredible year-round encouragement and support of my year-round involvement in this effort. I know she is tired of this photo but I love it almost as much
as I love her: I try to live my love - and with all my love, Pat
Thanks to Sam and Dermot and all
the folks at Sam’s!
Once again, many thanks to everyone
at Neco Marine for all your help. To
the owners, Mandy and Shallum
Etpison, and the entire staff, our deep
appreciation
With deep appreciation to Mason Whips
and the Surangel Whipps Family!
Thanks to our friends and colleagues Lori
and Pat Colin!
