The pilot of 44-25047 was 1stLt Elbert M. Ruffner, # 0-769949. The pilot of 44-25502 was 2ndLt George C. Beamer, # 0-779326. At the time of radio contact, the flight was 50 miles ENE of the Bhamo air strip. The flight then had 1 and ½ hours of fuel for flight remaining. Searches were made by 60th Fighter Squadron on the course the missing flight of two P-38s took and the last reported location and all airfields with no result. He is remembered on the memorial wall of the missing in the Manila American Cemetery & Memorial, Philippines. He was awarded the Purple Heart.