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This painting is by artist Mike Hagel. The original is in the Air Force Museum next
to the OA-10A of the 2nd ERS. It depicts the rescue of Lieutenant Charles Strader on
Thanksgiving Day, 23 November 1944, (Read
the mission report) in Makassar Harbor, Southwest Celebes, East of Borneo. Makassar Harbor is 900 miles
from Middleburg Island where the rescue ship and the P-38 were
based. The PBY was airborne 18 hours and 20 minutes and was almost out of gas when
it landed. The escorting P-38's were airborne 10 hours and 15 minutes and was the longest P-38 mission of WWII. The rescue ship was piloted by Lieutenant
John Dickinson. Click HERE to see the "Ode to the 2nd ERS"
written by Charles Strader!
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