Fallen Bakers Creek servicemembers honored

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  On June 14, 1943, a B-17 Flying Fortress converted to carry passengers took off from Mackay, Queensland, Australia, carrying 40 servicemembers on leave back to the war in the Pacific Theater. Soon after takeoff, the plane crashed, killing all but one.

That story was held secret until just a few years ago.

In a ceremony June 14 at the World War II Memorial here, 64 years to the day since the crash, the fallen were honored with a wreath, speeches and the playing of "Taps."

Air Force Assistant Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Arthur Lichte was the keynote speaker at the event.

"As your Air Force commemorates its 60th anniversary this year, the story and sacrifice of the B-17 crew and service members are part of our heritage, which shows the sacrifices Airmen have made for the nation and our allies," General Lichte said. "Airmen today stand upon the shoulders of those who came before them, like those we honor today who were aboard that B-17."

Australian Ambassador Dennis Richardson also spoke at the ceremony.

"Today we reflect not on just the individuals, but on all Americans who gave their life in defense of Australia," the ambassador said. "If it weren't for the Americans coming to our aid, we very well would have been invaded. Americans saved Australia during World War II."

At the time, the Bakers Creek air crash, as it's come to be known, was the worst aircraft disaster in the war. To this day it remains Australia's worst aerial crash. Near the crash site in Australia is a marker memorializing the fallen. In addition, another marker currently resides at the Australian Embassy.

Robert Cutler, the executive director of the Bakers Creek Memorial Association (USA), is trying to find a permanent home for the marker, because "it should be on American soil," he said.

"The marker is a symbol that shows a strong bond between the U.S. and Australia, between our people and our military," Mr. Cutler said. He also offered up this poem, called "The Ode":

They shall grow not 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.

Lest We Forget

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