One Man Air Force: Bob Freeberg, R1-002, and Indonesia's Struggle for Freedom

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On 30 September 1948, American pilot Bobby Earl Freeberg fired up the twin engines of his war-surplus C-47 cargo airplane, designated RI-002, for a mission to transport 250 kilograms of gold bullion from Javato, Sumatra in preparation for an expected Dutch invasion of Indonesian territory. RI-002 then vanished, the wreckage only found 30 years later in the remote Sumatra highlands. The mysterious disappearance of Bob Freeberg was the final, ironic twist in one of the most dramatic chapters in the story of Indonesia. For sixteen months, Bob Freeberg ran the Dutch blockade, flying in critical supplies such as medicines, and carrying out the diplomats and experts who would make the case for Indonesian independence to the world. Now, the story of Bob Freeberg is told by the Indonesian who knew him best. Air Force Captain Petit Muharto Kartodirdjo flew with Freeberg as official mission leader and (unofficial) copilot, until being promoted and reassigned to headquarters shortly before the tragic final flight. One Man Air Force is the dramatic account of the birth of a nation, of two Idealistic young men from opposite ends of the globe forging a close friendship, and a compelling tale of Petit Muharto’s efforts in later life to solve the mystery of his friend’s disappearance.