The Worst Possible Fate For a B-29 Crew

During World War II, the B-29 Superfortress stood as a symbol of aerial might, capable of delivering immense payloads with devastating precision. Among the many pilots commanding this formidable bomber was Frederick Allen Stearns, who flew the #42-94098 alongside his 11-man crew.

On July 27, 1945, Stearns’ crew joined 130 B-29 bombers in a mission to attack the port city of Omuta. Initially, the formation’s journey appeared uneventful as they passed over Iwo Jima unscathed. However, hours later, Japanese night fighters intercepted the formation. The attackers, believed to be Nakajima J1N Gekkos, proved lethal despite their lack of agility. Equipped with radar and cannons, these twin-engine aircraft brought chaos to the skies.

As Omuta burned, the bombers began their return journey. Tragically, one Superfortress didn’t make it back. Observers spotted Stearns’ B-29, its engine ablaze and under relentless attack. The aircraft vanished into a cloud bank before breaking apart in mid-air. Of the 12 crew members, three perished during the disintegration, while one succumbed to enemy fire. Stearns and seven others parachuted to safety but landed in enemy territory.

Upon capture, the survivors faced horrific treatment. One crew member was killed by enraged villagers, and the rest were branded war criminals by Japanese officials. This perception was fueled by lingering anger over the Doolittle Raid and the devastating firebombings of Japanese cities.

In the Western Army Headquarters in Fukuoka, the crew’s fate grew grim. As Japan approached surrender, atrocities against Allied POWs escalated. On August 15, 1945, even after Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s capitulation, Japanese officers executed the remaining 17 American prisoners, including Corporal Stearns. Using swords, they carried out these acts in a desperate bid to conceal earlier war crimes. Stearns’ remains were never recovered.

Years later, justice was pursued. War trials led to 35 Japanese officials being prosecuted. While some were acquitted, others received varying sentences. Seven were initially condemned to death, but these sentences were later commuted. By the end of 1958, all involved had been released.