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India to Help US Hunt Lost WWII Crews

Expedition to India for MIAs

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 20, 2008 11:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – US bomber crews that went missing in the Himalayas during World War II may be recovered after more than six decades, reports the Military Times. While experts have long identified potential crash sites, the US military has been unable to access the dangerous border region between India, China, and Burma. Now, India is close to allowing a US-led expedition in.

“The Indian government previously could not guarantee our safety because of unrest in the area," said an Army spokesman responsible for finding PoWs and MIAs. Flying a dangerous Himalayan route known as "the hump," The US lost 460 aircraft and 792 men on missions to beat back Japanese forces during World War II.

These types of B-24 bombers flew supply missions from India during World War II.
These types of B-24 bombers flew supply missions from India during World War II.   (Air Force)
The remains of World War II air crews continue to be recovered from remote crash sites. The bodies of this bomber crew were found in New Guinea in 2001.
The remains of World War II air crews continue to be recovered from remote crash sites. The bodies of this bomber crew were found in New Guinea in 2001.
World War II era USAAF bomber similar to those lost on missions to China.
World War II era USAAF bomber similar to those lost on missions to China.   ((c) null0)
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