| Liz,
The information I have is from Wiley's book "Legacy of the 90th Bomb Group", page 62;
It states that on June 23rd 1943, a seventeen ship raid on Makasser. Fourteen of the aircraft were part of the 380th and three aircraft of the 90th/319 squadron. Capt Roy Olsen did not fly his normal aircraft on that day but rather PELLY-CAN.
On the bomb run a Jap NATE flew into the formation from the rear and intentionally rammed Capt Olsen's aircraft shearing off a large portion of the ships right wing. Both aircraft went into flat spins and crashed into the sea. While late in the war kamikazis were seen quite frequently (mainly against ships), this was the first instance of an intentional ramming the group had seen and Olsen was ill prepared to defend against such tactics especially since the plane approached him from the rear.
There is a photo of the crew in the book which I will try to scan and post on the website with this account. See also PELLY CAN
John
Subject: RE: Amboy, 321st
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:51:04 +0000 John,
I am researching the life of Capt. Roy Olsen, and wonder if you have any details other than those on the JRs website. Is there anyone you know who knew him? I was lucky in actually meeting Wiley Woods, who is one of the kindest and most charming gentlemen I have ever encountered, but he was not in the SWPA until after Capt. Olsen was lost.
With very best wishes,
Liz |
