FINE RECORD

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 July 1942, Page 3

FINE RECORD

FLYING FORTRESSES IN S.W. PACIFIC MANY ATTACKS MADE WITHOUT LOSS. VAST DISTANCES FLOWN. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) SYDNEY, June 30. Operational flights covering 1,500,000 miles without the loss of a single aircraft have been made by Flying Fortresses of the first American bomber squadron to go into action against the Japanese from an Australian base. The squadron's record is believed to be unparalleled in the war. Achievements of the squadron include flying its own planes across the Pacific to Australia; flying General MacArthur and his staff from the Philippines to Australia; flying President Quezon, his family and staff from the Philippines to Australia; a successful bombing attack on Manila before the fall of Batan, involving a record long distance flight; the relief of Batan’s shortage of medical supplies on another record long-distance flight; and participation in the Coral Sea Battle. Though none of the Fortresses has been lost, several have been damaged in action. One of the squadron’s planes flew some hundreds of miles back to its base with two of its engines out of action. Several members of its crews have been decorated for gallantry. Among them, is Captain Frank Bostrom, who is credited with bringing General MacArthur from the Philippines to Australia and with leading the bombing attack on Manila.