units of the 5th bombardment group based at palikulo included the 23d bombardment squadron operating b-17es and later b-24s from 1 december 1942 until 3 january 1944, and the 72d bombardment squadron and 394th bombardment squadron both operating b-17s. on 13 august b-17e #41-2463 of the 394th bombardment squadron piloted by gene roddenberry crashed on takeoff due to mechanical failure.