PAYING THE PRICE AT BABO

Pockets of Japanese ground and air units remained entrenched in several areas of Dutch New Guinea. Much feared was Babo because of it’s more than 100 anti-aircraft artillery sites adjacent to the airfield. On 9 July 1944, the 389th Bomb Squadron, 312th Bomb Group, newly arrived at Hollandia, was tasked with mounting a surprise, low-level attack with 24 aircraft at minimum altitude. The first two flights across the target were relatively unscathed, but the enemy gunners were ready for the third and fourth flights. Three Douglas A-20G Havocs were lost, including the third flight leader Hedges; left and right wingmen as they raced across the target toward open water.