Identifying the remains

The U.S. Army sent a team of anthropologists to the crash site, and after extensive and careful excavations, the remains of the crew were returned to the U.S. for analysis. Much of the work involved comparing dental records, but in Pete's case it was also necessary to conduct DNA analysis using a blood sample from his older brother, John (Jack) V. Owens. Jack learned of the crash recovery prior to his own death in 1996, bringing back sad memories and reminders of years of uncertainty. He donated a blood sample, but he died before definitive findings were released. These excerpts from laboratory reports indicate some uncertainty about the number and identity of crew members, including one indication that a women might have been on board. But when all the evidence was compiled, in addition to this report, the Army concluded that all eleven crew men had been identified, none of them a woman.

FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY REPORT: CILHI 0173-93A

U.S. ARMY CENTRAL IDENTIFICATION LABORATORY, HAWAII

DESCRIPTION OF REMAINS

The remains designated as CILHI 0173-93 represented a minimum of nine individuals (based on duplication of the proximal ends of the left femur). Samples were taken for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis from the nine left femora and 15 teeth and sent to the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL). Based on mtDNA results from the AFDIL and/or subsequent dental analyses, ten sets of remains were identified as distinct individuals involved in the loss incident and were segregated into CILHI 0173-93B through CILHI 0173-93K. CILHI 0173-93A contains the group remains that could not be assigned to specific individuals. Mitochondrial DNA results from bone samples taken from two of the left femora were inconclusive, and these femora are included with CILHI 0173-93A.

The remains designated CILHI 0173-93A consist of hundreds of bone fragments representing all body regions (Skeletal Photographs 1-4) and two masses of hair (Photograph 5). Skeletal preservation is good, although some of the skeletal remains exhibit cortical exfoliation and erosion of cancellous areas. Soil and rootlets are present in some of the exposed areas. Rodent gnawing is apparent on many of the fragments. Some skeletal fragments show exposure to metal, both in the form of rust and metal attached to bone, and in the form of green ("copper") staining. Perimortem fractures are evident on almost all fragments. Postmortem breakage consistent with excavation damage was apparent on some of the remains.

MINIMUM NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS

The remains designated CILHI 0173-93A represent a minimum number of eight (8) individuals. Eight distal ends of the left humerus are present.

SEX

The majority of diagnostic elements from CILHI 0173-93A present male characteristics. Four occipital bones have moderate-sized external occipital protuberances. Four frontal bones exhibit well-developed supraorbital areas suggestive of males. In addition, three examples of moderate to blunt eye orbits are present. All mastoid processes (two rights and a left) are moderate to large in size. One eye orbit has a sharp edge, a trait suggestive of a female.

Forensic Anthropology Report: CILHI 0173-93A

Stature estimates based on a right talus, using the formula for white or black, sex unknown (Holland 1995), produces a stature range of 62.7 to 67.5 inches. Stature estimates on another right talus (using a formula for white or black males) produces an estimated stature range from 66.0 to 70.8 inches. The metatarsals associated with the first talus (which all came from the same shoe) produce a much lower stature estimate of 59.3 to 64.1 inches(usin- Byers et al's.1989 multiple regression formula for combined data). Metatarsals associated with the second talus (also because they came from the same shoe) suggest a stature range of 63.8 to 68.6 inches, according to Byers et al.'s 1989 multiple regression formula for males.

TRAUMA

Perimortem fractures are present on almost all bones, especially long bones. These fractures are consistent with a rapid deceleration event of a slow-moving aircraft. The distal portion of a left tibia exhibits a well-healed fracture. A small, healed depression fracture is present on a parietal fragment.

OBSERVATIONS

Two non-articulating thoracic vertebrae have Schniorl's nodes (indicative of herniated vertebral disks) on the superior and inferior surfaces of the bodies. In addition, one lumbar vertebra has a malformed right inferior articular process. The length of the process is half that of the left (normally developed) one, and the facet is tear shaped, wrapping around the process. A right second metatarsal has a large exostosis (possibly an osteochondroma) at the proximal end, parallel to the shaft.

Some elements (e.g., humerus, ulna, ribs) have tissue-like paper adhering to their exterior surfaces. Almost all elements have numbers written on them with indelible ink (e.g., fine-tip Sharpie). Samples have been cut from two left femora for mtDNA analysis. Soil is present in some of the cancellous areas, indicating that some elements had been'ln contact with the soil. Green staining on areas of perimortem fractures indicates that contact with metal occurred after the perimortem fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

CILHI 0173-93A consists of the fragmented remains of at least eight (8) individuals. Most diagnostic elements are suggestive of males. TI-ie morphology of four occipital bones and four frontal bones indicates that at least four males were involved in the incident.

Forensic Anthropology Report: CILHI 0173-93A

Perimortem fractures are consistent with traumatic impact associated with a rapid deceleration event. A well-healed broken tibia indicates that one of the people involved in the incident had broken a leg sometime in the past. A well-healed depression fracture on a parietal fragment indicates a wound to the head experienced by one person. In addition, the presence of two vertebrae with Schmorl's nodes is suggestive that at least one person experienced back strain.

COMPARISON WITH OFFICIAL RECORDS OF T Sgt DOTSON, DELMAR; I st Lt EBERLY, HOWARD G.; S Sgt FERRAIOLO, JOSEPH; S Sgt HALL, WATSON C.; Sgt JINGOZIAN, ARTHUR; S Sgt MCCARTNEY, THEODORE J.; Sgt MESSER, JENNINGS B.; T Sgt OWENS, PETER S.; 2nd Lt RANKER, CHARLES E.; 2nd Lt STACY, GEORGE L.; and 2nd Lt TOWNSEND, EDGAR L., JR.

The biological profile derived from the remains designated CILHI 0173-93A and the physical characteristics of T Sgt Dotson, Delmar; lst Lt Eberly, Howard G.; S Scrt,Ferralolo, Joseph; S Scyt Hall. Watson C.; Sgt Jingozian, Arthur; S Sgt McCartney, Theodore J.; Sgt Messer, ennings B.; T Sgt Owens, Peter S.; 2nd Lt Ranker, Charles E.; 2nd Lt Stacy, George L.; and 2nd Lt Townsend, Edgar L., Jr., as they appear in official records (e.g., Report of Death and Data on Remains Not Yet Recovered or Identified).

Forensic Odontology Report: CILHI 0173-93G

T Sgt OWENS is one of the remaining six individuals that cannot be eliminated on the basis of his dental records. Furthermore, tooth R13 of CILHI 0173-93G was removed from its alveolar socket and horizontally sectioned (Dental Photograph 3). A powdered dentin sample from this tooth was submitted for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis. The sequence obtained from this sample was compared with mtDNA family reference samples for all eleven. The sample sequence data is consistent with mtDNA sequence for a known maternal relative of T Sgt Peter S. OWENS and is not consistent with family reference samples for the other ten individuals.

OPINION

I have examined the dental remains of CILHI 0173-93G and have compared the features observed in those remains to the available antemortem dental information for the individuals involved in this incident. I have reviewed the mtDNA sequence data obtained from the tooth of CILHI 0173-93G and have compared that data to the sequences obtained from mtDNA family reference samples. It is my opinion that the dental evidence for CILHI 0173-93G is consistent with available antemortem information for T Sgt Peter S. OWENS, 12023894, USA and that all other personnel from this incident can be reasonably excluded.

BRION C. SMITH

Lieutenant Colonel

U.S. Army Dental Corps

U.S. ARMY CENTRAL IDENTIFICATION LABORATORY, HAWAII

DESCRIPTION OF REMAINS

The remains designated CILHI 0173-93G consist of a nearly complete left femur, proximal end of a left tibia, fragments of the mandible, and six teeth (Skeletal Photograph). Samples for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis were taken from the femur and a tooth. The left femur, mandible, and teeth are associated based on mtDNA evidence received froi-n the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory in July 1997. The left tibia is associated with these remains because it articulates with the left femur, and the color of the tibia and femur match. Skeletal preservation is good, although cortical exfoliation and cancellous erosion is present. Rootlets and soil are present in all elements.

MINIMUM NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS

A minimum of one individual is represented. No duplication of elements is present.

SEX

Probable male. An assessment of male is suggested by the robusticity of the femur and by a portion of a bilobate chin.

AGE

Adult. The distal epiphysis of the femur and the proximal epiphysis of the tibia are united, suggesting an age over 17 years (McKern and Stewart 1957).

RACE'

Possible Caucasoid. This assessment is based on a fragment of the chin area, which shows prominent development. In addition, the femur shows anterior curvature suggestive of Caucasoid ancestry.

Forensic Anthropology Report: CILHI 0173-93G

STATURE

Maximum length of the femur was estimated, using Steele's (1970) Segment 4 formula for white males, at 16.5 to 18.5 inches. Stature, using Trotter's (1970) formula for white males, was estimated between 62.2 and 69.5 inches.

TRAUMA

A possible perimortem fracture is present at the proximal end of the femur, but this is obscured by weathering of the element.

OBSERVATIONS

Dirt and rootlets in the bones indicate contact with the soil at some point in the past. A number is written on some elements with indelible ink (e.g., fine-tip Sharpie). Samples for mtDNA analysis have been taken from the femur and one tooth.

CONCLUSIONS

The remains designated CILHI 0173-93G appear to represent a male over 17 years of age. The individual is possibly of Caucasoid ancestry and has a stature estimated between 62.2 and 69.5 inches. Possible perimortem trauma is evident on the femur. Results of the mtDNA analysis are consistent with Peter S. OWENS.

COMPARISON WITH THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF T Sgt OWENS, PETER S.

The biological profile derived from the remains designated CILHI 0173-93G and the physical characteristics of OWENS, PETER, S. as they appear in the individual's official records (e.g., Report of Death and Data on Remains Not Yet Recovered or Identified) are compared in Table 1.

Forensic Anthropology Report: CILHI 0173-93G

Table 1. Comparison of the biological profile for CILHI 0173-93G with the physical characteristics of OWENS.

CILHI 0173-93G Owens, Peter S.

SEX: Male Male

AGE: Over 17 yrs 27 yrs, 4 mos

RACE: Caucasoid White

STATURE: 62.2 to 69.5 inches 65.5 inches

HELEN M. DOCKALL

Anthropologist

AFDEL for analysis. The mtDNA sequence information from these samples is consistent with the mtDNA sequence information obtained from Harriet M. Cabe (AFDIL #96H479), a known maternal relative of S Sct Hall. The mtDNA sequence obtained from the submitted samples is inconsistent with the reference samples obtained from known maternal relatives of the other crewmen.

Col. Ward Nickisch

Director, CMAOC

Department of the Army

US Total Army Personnel Command

Casualty and Mortuary Affairs

TAPD-PED-F Room 984

2461 Eisenhower Avenue

Alexandria, VA 22331-0482

Dear Col. Nickisch:

On 20, 21, 22, and 23 August 1998, 1 reviewed and evaluated all written materials concerning CILHI 01 73-93A through 93K, and concur with the identifications.

On 9 October 1992 the CILHI was informed that a WWII crash site had been discovered in the mountains near the Watut River, Papua New Guinea by a helicopter pilot flying for a private company. Identification tags with names of crew members identified the crash debris as the B17F piloted by 1st Lt Howard G. EBERLY and reported missing on 15 September 1943. Evidence at the site (survival equipment among the crash debris) strongly suggests that the 11 man crew died in the crash. The 1993 excavation and recovery of artifacts and remains from this site was thorough and well done in spite of the difficulty of the terrain, variable weather conditions, and environment in general.

Based upon location of the crash debris and recovered artifacts, there is no doubt that the crash site is that of the B-17F from the 15 September 1943 incident.

1. Background and Acquisition

a. On 15 September 1943, lst Lt Howard G. EBERLY was the pilot of a B-17F Flying Fortress returning to Jackson Field, Port Moresby, New Guinea after a successful bombing mission over Lae, New Guinea. Also manifested on board were 2d Lt Charles E. RANKER; 2d Lt George L. STACY; 2d Lt Edgar L. TOWNSEND, Jr.; T Sgt Delmar DOTSON; T Sgt Peter S. OWENS; S Sgt Joseph FERRAIOLO; S Sgt Watson C. HALL; S Sgt Theodore J. MCCARTNEY; Sgt Arthur JINGOZIAN; and Sgt Jennings B. MESSER. As the formation briefly passed through a thunderhead, witnesses in other aircraft in the flight reported seeing lst Lt EBERLY's aircraft "peel up and out to the left from the formation" and disappear. Efforts to raise lst Lt EBERLY on the radio were unsuccessful and the aircraft is assumed to have crashed in the Owen Stanley mountain range as the result of "adverse weather." Subsequent searches proved negative and the bodies of lst Lt EBERLY and his crew were declared non-recoverable on 22 July 1949.

b. On 9 October 1992 the U.S. Defense Attache in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (P.N.G.), notified the CILHI that a helicopter pilot flying for a private company had located an aircraft crash site in the mountains near the Watut River. An identification bracelet was found at the site that bore the name "HOWARD G. EBERLY." Subsequently, it was reported that an identification tag for "E. L. TOWNSEND, JR.," had also been found at the crash site.

c. From 4 August through 3 September 1993 a joint recovery team consisting of U.S. personnel from CILHI, representatives of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force, and a local Papuan labor force excavated the crash site of a B-17 Flying Fortress. Remains and personal effects-including identification tags for "HALL, WATSON C." -recovered amid the wreckage were escorted to the CILHI by a U.S. member of the team on 20 September 1993 and accessioned as CILHI 0173-93 and CILHI 0174-93.

d. On 26 January 1995 nine bone samples from CILHI 0174-93 (samples A-I) were submitted to the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboiaiory (AFDIL) for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis. On 30 January 1997, 15 tooth samples-labeled CILHI 01 13-93, samples A-0-were submitted for analysis.For administrative purposes, all of the remains subsequently were consolidated under CILHI 0173-93.