with Jimmy Dolittle at the podium
Omer Adelard Duquette, 6143447, Staff Sergeant
Born January 25, 1916 West Warwick, Rhode Island
Killed in action June 3, 1942
Attended High School for two years. Entered service on February 2, 1938 at Providence, Rhode Island and served at Fort Slocum, New York and Albrook Field, Canal Zone before joining the 37th Bomb Squadron and Pendleton, Oregon. Remained in China-Burma-India Theater after Tokyo Raid. Was killed on June 3, 1942 when plane crashed into mountain after bombing Lashio, Burma while en route to Kunming, China. Decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and Chinese Army, Navy, Air Corps Medal, Class A, 1st Grade.
Crew of 12th Aircraft Plane # 40-2278 - Crew from 37th Squadron, 17th Group - (Bail Out) Lieutenant Bower and crew successfully bombed the Ogura refinery, two factories and a large warehouse along the docks at Yokohama. This they accomplished despite two enemy fighters that trailed them inland, and a series of barrage balloons over their target. On their flight to reach China flew over a Japanese weather boat. They strafed and sank it before flying on to bail out over China Sergeant Duquette broke his foot when he parachuted to the ground and was transported in a sedan carried by local Chinese as the entire crew traveled to join up with Lieutenant Joyce's crew from the 10th aircraft. Both crews reached Chuhsien four days later.
Pilot- Lt. W.M. Bower
Co-Pilot- Lt. T. Blanton
Navigator- Lt. W.R. Pound Jr.
Bombardier- TSgt. W.J. Bither
Engineer Gunner- SSgt. O.A. Duquette
Taken From:
http://www.doolittleraider.com/80_brave_men.htm
Dedication of a memorial to Omer Duquette at Phenix Square
with Jimmy Dolittle at the podium