On January 4, 1943 U. S. Army Air Force (USAAF) B-17F Flying Fortress “San Antonio Rose” 41-24458 went Missing In Action (MIA) on a bombing mission against Rabaul. The bomber remains missing to this day.
The Bomber
Aircraft History
Built by Boeing in Seattle, Washington. Constructors Number 3132. Delivered to the U. S. Army Air Force (USAAF) on July 8, 1942 as Boeing B-17F-10-BO Flying Fortress serial number 41-24458.
Wartime History
This B-17 was ferried overseas via Hickam Field on Oahu then across the Pacific to Australia where it was assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group (19th BG), 93rd Bombardment Squadron (93rd BS).
San Antonio Rose
Nicknamed “San Antonio Rose” after the popular song “San Antonio Rose/New San Antonio Rose” written by western singer Bob Wills in 1938. During December 1940 the song was recorded by Bing Crosby and the Bob Cats and became a popular song in 1941 and sold over a million copies. Also, the Hollywood musical film “San Antonio Rose (1941) was released that same year starting Jane Frazee and Lon Chaney, Jr and Shemp Howard. The film and song saw the phrase “San Antonio Rose” entered the American lexicon.
Missing In Action: January 5, 1943
On January 5, 1943 this B-17 participated in a bombing mission against Rabaul. When it failed to return, the bomber and the crew were officially listed as Missing In Action (MIA).
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