On August 18, 1943, Maj. Ralph Cheli led a strike group from the 38th Bomb Group in an attack against the Japanese airstrip at Dagua, New Guinea, as a part of an all-out low-level B-25 strafer attack against the four airfields in the Wewak complex. Already fighting bad weather across the northern coast of New Guinea, Maj. Cheli’s unit was attacked by roughly ten 59 Sentai Oscars. Soon thereafter, one of the fighters made a five o’clock pass at the lead B-25, its fire ripping into the right engine. Maj. Cheli’s wing burst into flames and he rapidly began losing power as black smoke poured from the engine nacelle and wing. Despite a severely damaged aircraft, Cheli selflessly refused to relinquish leadership of the formation, and continuing his attack across the target, strafing and dispersing his load of parafrag bombs as he went. Only when the attack run was well underway, did he finally turn way out to sea where he quickly ditched the flaming aircraft. His crew was soon captured by the Japanese, and all were eventually executed. Maj. Cheli was subsequently awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions that day, continuing to lead his force in the attack even though his aircraft was fatally damaged.
This limited edition print can be purchased on our website.
Men like Major Cheli are few and far between.
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He was quite a leader.
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Thank you for this story of brave men treated so despicably.
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Thanks for reading it.
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And I bet before they were executed they went through hell!
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It’s a definite possibility
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Reblogged this on Pacific Paratrooper and commented:
For our return to the Pacific War and August 1943….
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Another reblog! Thank you once again! 🙂
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What can I say – you have a great site. You know there will be more reblogs in the future!
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Thanks. You keep us on our toes!
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Surprised – but happy – to hear that I keep YOU on your toes!!
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😀
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He was so brave to continue his mission in the face of such danger, but I hated to hear that all of his crew were executed. Is that what usually happens when the enemy captures a fallen plane or ship? Just curious!
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Not always, but it happened often. If you’re interested, we have a few stories of men who were captured and survived.
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Your post is both awe inspiring and though informational deeply touching. I am grateful for the courage of so many allowing me to enjoy freedoms haty cost so dearly.
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Thank you. It is indeed a sad story, but the courage of the crew is to be admired.
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Now that is a REALLY cool print!!!! My husband is very interested in these types of works now that hes in the Navy! ❤ – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
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Thanks! Steve Ferguson did an outstanding job with it. This print is actually part of a set of four (although they can be purchased individually). Each one is signed by several members of the 38th Bomb Group. http://irandpcorp.com/product-category/limited-edition-prints/
If you like this one, you’ll also love the work of Jack Fellows! http://irandpcorp.com/product-category/prints/
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I am honored to have met in person the member that signed the last signature on this print “The Ultimate Sacrifice”. He just turned 92 years old this month.
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That’s great! Is he a relative of yours?
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I am reminded of something George Patton said, “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died rather we should thank God that such men lived.” Thank God for men like Major Cheli!
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Great comment!
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I know this particular episode and have always felt great sympathy and admiration for these men.
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How did you come across the story?
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Pingback: Remembering those who did not make it home | IHRA
I felt this was the appropriate place to put this notice that one of your pilots have been accounted for.
https://www.dpaa.mil/News-Stories/News-Releases/PressReleaseArticleView/Article/2123071/pilot-accounted-for-from-world-war-ii-smith-e/
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It’s always good to read about DPAA finding these men. Welcome home, sir.
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