Honor Roll 57th Fighter Group 1941- Jul 45

Revised 23 Feb 2010

Page compiled from:

57th Fighter Group

Missing Air Crew Reports

USAF Serial Number Search

American Battle Monuments Commission

AAIR Database Search

Aerial Victory Credits only are listed

Wartime Aerial Victory Credits

 

MACR# Date Serial# A/C Type  Pilot Service# Sqdn Group AF Status Comments
. 13 Jan 41 39-212 Curtiss P-40 Puryear, Raymond W . 33PI 8PG . B/o Bailed out over Mitchel Field, NY, engine failure.Pilot has later service with 64FS, 57FG
. 22 May 41 39-190 Curtiss P-40 Clark, Thomas W O-406233 66PI 57PI     Cat 3 forced landing mechanical failure. Plane redesignated P-40G Aug 18, 1941. In midair collision Sep 19, 1941, Natchitoches, LA.
. 10 Jul 41 39-224 Curtiss P-40 Clark, Thomas W O-406233 65PI 57PI . . Landing accident Mitchel Field, NY . Plane to CL-26 Mar 2, 1942
. 10 Jul 41 39-205 Curtiss P-40 West, Jack C . 66PI 57PI . . Landing accident Mitchel Field, NY Plane later to CL-26 at Baton Rouge, LA May 28, 1942
. 14 Jul 41 39-193 Curtiss P-40 Barr, John E . 65PI 57PI . . Ground looped Mitchel Field, NY. Plane later in midair collision with Navy plane Sept 15, 1941, Loushatta, LA.
Pilot killed.
. 18 Jul 41 39-282 Curtiss P-40 Hetrick, Robert E O-417628 65PI 57PI . DNB Crashed Long Island, NY Jul 18, 1941.  Pilot killed.1 1/2 mile north of Eastport, LI, NY 
. 1 Aug 41 41-13456 Curtiss P-40C Miller, Wynn D . 64PS 57PG . . Damaged landing, Mitchel Field, NY, plane later condemned Feb 27, 1943.
. 21 Aug 41 41-13348 Curtiss P-40C Bradley, Eugene M O-416990 64PS 57PG . DNB Pilot killed in stall or spin, NW corner of Windsor Locks AAB, spun in 1 mi W of Windsor-Locks AB, CT Aug 21, 1941
. . . . Alison, John Richardson O-021393 . 57PG . . 57PG, 51FG, 23FG & 367FG, 1 Air Commando Force
. 4 Sep 41 41-13368 Curtiss P-40C Radovich, Walter V   65PS 57PG . . Take off accident, engine failure Windsor Locks AAB, CT , plane later to reclamation at Brookley Field, AL Sep 20, 1945
. 10 Sep 41 41-13343 Curtiss P-40C West, Jack  . 66PS 57PG . . Badly damaged landing, mechanical failure, Windsor Locks AAB, CT , plane later to reclamation Keesler Jan 6, 1945
. 15 Sep 41 41-13393 Curtiss P-40C West, Jack C . 66PS 57PG . W/o Plane destroyed mid air collision taking off, Boston Airport, MA, hit civilian aircraft during takeoff at Boston Apt, MA Sep 15, 1941. Damaged beyond repair
. 16 Sep 41 41-13342 Curtiss P-40C Clark, Thomas W O-406233 HQ 57PG . . Damaged taxiing, Langley Field, VA, plane surveyed May 23, 1942
. 20 Oct 41 39-222 Curtiss P-40 McGoldrick, Peter O-020341 66PS 57PG . . Damaged landing, mechanical failure, Windsor Locks AAB, CT , plane later to CL-26 at Luke Jun 30, 1943
. 24 Oct 41 39-200 Curtiss P-40 Birrell, William H . 64PS 57PG . DNB Pilot killed , plane destroyed in weather related crash, Bass Lake, CA,  (crashed and burned Bass Lake, CA Oct 24, 1941) I cannot find a service number for this man
  24 Oct 41 39-287 Curtiss P-40 Long, Richard N O-401192 ?PS  57FG   DNB Pilot killed, plane missing, Cunningham Creek Canyon, CA (crashed in Sierra Nevada Mountains Oct 24, 1941 during cross country flight. Parts used in restoration of P-40 41-13297)
. 24 Oct 41 39-194 Curtiss P-40 Lydon, Leonard C "Elmer" O-022516 66PS 57PG   B/o Pilot bailed out, engine failure, Roaring River, Kings Cyn Natl Forest, CA (spun in at Fresno AB, Windsor-Locks Nov 2, 1942. Pilot killed. JB web page  also has this one as having being lost Oct 24, 1941 with 57th FG after fuel exhaustion over Sierra Nevada Mountains during cross country flight) Later service with 315FS, 324FG
. 24 Oct 41 41-19333 Douglas A-20C Havoc Mathews, Ralph D . 65PS 57PG . . Badly damaged landing, Smith Valley Airport, CA 
. 24 Oct 41 39-213 Curtiss P-40 Pease, John H O-406056 64PS 57PG   B/o Pilot bailed out due to engine fire, plane destroyed, Wild Rose Creek, CA , (lost in bad weather Oct 24, 1941 near Little Lake, CA. Pilot bailed out.) Pilot has later service with 389FS, 366th Fighter-Bomber Group
. 24 Oct 41 39-285 Curtiss P-40 West, Jack W . 66PS 57PG   B/o Pilot bailed out engine failure, Roaring River, Kings Cyn Natl Forest, CA (dove in at Roaring River, Kings Canyon National Forest Oct 24, 1941)
.  26 Oct 41 39-231 Curtiss P-40 Lancaster, Marvin E.  O-421934 58PS 8PG . . Cat 3 damage ground looped at Tucson AAB, AZ . Pilot has later service with 64FS,57FG. Plane later to CL-26 Apr 6, 1942.
.. 2 Nov 41 41-13454 Curtiss P-40C Speckman, Russell E O-416912 66PS 57PG   DNB Pilot killed in ground collision crash, San Anselmo, CA (crashed Oct 28, 1941 near top of Bald Mountain near San Anselmo 25 mi N of San Francisco during cross-country flight. Pilot killed.)
. 2 Nov 41 41-13375 Curtiss P-40C Truax, Thomas L O-393163 66PS 57PG   DNB Pilot killed in ground collision crash, San Anselmo, CA (JB web site has crashed Oct 28, 1941 near top of Bald Mountain near San Anselmo 25 mi N of San Francisco during cross-country flight. Pilot killed. Wreckage was removed and held at Hill Field, UT. Finally went to reclamation at Ogden, UT May 31, 1945.
. 2 Nov 41 41-13392 Curtiss P-40C Radovitch, Walter V . 66PS 57PG   B/o Pilot bailed out, out of petrol due to weather, Lucas Valley, 2 mi SW Hamilton Fld, CA , ( JB web site has, plane later surveyed at Windsor-Locks Dec 28, 1941)
. 20 Dec 41 41-6752 Bell P-39D-BE Airacobra Middleditch, Lyman Jr O-427759 35PS 8PG . . Crash lands mechanical failure Bendix Airport, NJ Pilot has later service with 64FS, 57FG. Plane later wrecked in taxi accident at Sarasota AAF, FL Mar 14, 1943
. 22 Dec 41 other sources have this as 12th Dec 1941 39-208 Curtiss P-40 Lydon, Leonard C "Elmer" O-022516 66PS 57PG   B/o In December, 1941, following his recovery, Lydon, now a captain, took command of the 66th Pursuit Group. On December 12th, in a totally outrageous sequel to his earlier ordeal, he was flying with Jack West on a training flight when his nose guns inexplicably began firing on their own and shot off the propeller blades. He had to bail out again. Later service with 315FS, 324FG. Plane condemned Jan 21, 1942
. 29 Dec 41 41-6793 Bell P-39D-BE Airacobra Mobbs, George D O-427761 35PS 8PG . . Crash lands mechanical failure Bendix Airport, NJ Pilot has later service with 64FS, 57FG. Plane later to reclamation at Spokane, WA May 29, 1945

1942

MACR# Date Serial# A/C Type  Pilot Service# Sqdn Group AF Status Comments
. 26 Feb 42 41-13382 Curtiss P-40C Clark, Thomas W O-406233 65PS 57PG     Incident at Seneca, SC . Plane to reclamation at Patterson AAF, OH May 12, 1945
. 2 Apr 42 38-197 Curtiss P-36C Ryerson, Gordon L O-420645 . . . . Incident at Mitchell Field, NY . Pilot has later service with 64FS, 57FG
. 8 Apr 42 . . . . . . . . The USAAF’s V Air Support Command, which was activated on 1 September 1941 to support the Armored Force, is redesignated 9th Air Force with headquarters at New Orleans AAB, Louisiana.
. 11 Apr 42 41-19160 Douglas A-20C Havoc Mobbs, George D O-427761 . . . . Plane incident at Bridgeport, CT  Pilot has later service with 64FS, 57FG
. 27 Apr 42 40-423 Curtiss P-40E Boulware, Thomas M O-432019 . . . . Incident at Quonset Point, RI Pilot has later service with 66FS, 57FG Plane later to CL-26 at Tuskegee, AL Sep 3, 1943
. 29 Apr 42 41-13744 Curtiss P-40F Warhawk Overcash, Robert J O-441012 64PS 57PG     Based at Mitchel Field, NY , Incident at  Norfolk, VA  Plane later surveyed at Atlanta, GA Jun 1, 1944
. 30 Apr 42 40-424 Curtiss P-40E Boulware, Thomas M O-432019 . . . . Incident at Quonset Point, RI Pilot has later service with 66FS, 57FG Plane later to CL-26 at Hillsgrove, RI Sep 2, 1942
. 7 May 42 . Date from NARA must be incorrect as he flew off USS Ranger during June 42 Adams, Robert M O-432173 66PS 57PG AMEAF POW Middle East Theatre, Stalag 7A Moosburg Bavaria 48-12 (Work Camps 3324-46 Krumbachstrasse 48011, Work Camp 3368 Munich 48-11)
. 11 Mar 42 . . Jenks, William E O-727474 64PS 57PG AMEAF . Claims 1 victory
. 12 May 42 . . . . . 57FG AMEAF . Group and Squadron names are changed from “Pursuit” to “Fighter”.
. 21 May 42 38-204 Curtiss P-36C Mobbs, George D O-427761 . . . . Plane incident at Bridgeport, CT  Pilot has later service with 64FS, 57FG
. 12 Jun 42 40-390 Curtiss P-40E Beck, William S O-440967 . . . . Plane incident at Boston Arpt, MA . Pilot has later service with 64FS, 57FG
. 12 Jun 42 41-36514 Curtiss P-40E-1 Flanders, Robert M O-659688 66FS 57FG . . Incident at Hillsgrove AAF, RI. Plane later surveyed at Bradley Field, CT May 21, 1943
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Adams, Robert M O-432173 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Barnes, William S O-440964 64FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 11 Jun 42 . . Barnum, Robert Alexander O-416978 64FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72, Force landed successfully in the jungle wheels down broken arm on the air intake causing engine overheating repaired continued on next day
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Bell, Joe D O-432175 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Beals, Robert . 64FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Beck, William S O-440967 64FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Bilby, Glade B "Buck" O-416982 64FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Brandon, Gerald M O-432177 64FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . .

Bker,

(Baker ?) Ralph

. 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Boulware, Thomas M O-432019 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Bowen, Lewis . 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Campbell, William B O-440974 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Claxton, Allie . 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Curl, James G O-420852 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Clark, Thomas W O-406233 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . Curtiss P-40F Warhawk ( later White 84 "Robin" from USS Ranger) Denison, Dale . 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72 Flies P-40, #89 from Alexandria to the 2 SAAF base and complete a mission with them the 64FS was at LG74 and the 65FS was on Cyprus
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Ellington, Edward H O-432189 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Fairburn, Charles . 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . French, Harry   HQ 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Gardener, James Jr . 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Gibson, Robert . 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Gilbertson, John T O-432190 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Hartman, Ernest . 64FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Harvey, Nicolas . 64FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Hayden, Harry J III O-432194 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Hoke, Robert . 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
Possibly 10-12 Jun 42 41-13969 Curtiss P-40F Warhawk ( later white 55 "Miss Harriet") Hurtzberg, Frank G O-442150 64FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72, Plane condemned Aug 13, 1943
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Jaqua, Arnold . 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Knight, Archie O-23236 HQ 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Kimball, Richard W O-442139 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Lancaster, Horace . 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Llewellyn, Raymond A O-420610 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Margolian, Leo . 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
#1 off Ranger 10-12 Jun 42 . Curtiss P-40F Warhawk White 01, "Regina IV" Mears, Frank . HQ 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72 If this is the right Mears he flew the 1st plane off and was CO of 57thFG
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Metcalf, Robert L O-442290 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . McMerrill, Mac . 64FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Mitchell, Delvert . 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Morris, James . 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Nichols, Robert N O-427766 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . O'Neil, William . 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Long, George W O-420841 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Middleditch, Lyman Jr O-427759 64FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Mobbs, George D O-427761 64FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Mount, William J O-431814 64FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Ottaway, William . 64FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Overcash, Robert J O-441012 64FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Paulsen, Richard . 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Reed, Walter H O-441017 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Rideout, Harold . 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Ryan, Richard E O-420644 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Ryerson, Gordon L O-420645 64FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Salisbury, Arthur . 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Smith, Alan H O-441037 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Smith, Tracy . 64FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Sneed, Marshall O-427779 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Stanford, Henry H O-442298 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Stefanik, John J . 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Taylor, William E O-430950 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Teichrow, John . 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Tilley, Thomas M O-432215 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Thomas, Gordon F O-397559 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Weaver, Edwin R O-441053 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Wheeler, Claremont E O-393741 HQ 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . P-40F Warhawk Whittaker, Roy E O-431582 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72 He flew the second plane off behind Mears
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Wilson, Jack . 64FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Wymond, Gilbert O Jr O-431591 65FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Williams, Thomas T O-442317 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72 Thomas T. Williams was shot down in North Africa.  There should be information about him in Dale Deniston's "Memories of a Combat Fighter Pilot."  He escaped in Tunisia near Sfax and the 66th Fighter Squadron received word of his return on 11 April 1943.  Page 93 of Deniston's book
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Williams, William O-441055 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Yates, William Jeeter O-417244 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. 10-12 Jun 42 . . Zipser, Albert O O-432219 66FS 57FG . . Flew off the USS Ranger 71 of the 72
. one source has 18th other source has 28 June 42 40-440 Curtiss P-40E Flanders, Robert M O-659688 66FS 57FG   DNB Hometown: Middlesex County, MA. On one flight Lt Bobby Flanders and I (David H Brown later with 79th FG), where flying over Narragansett Bay. I was chasing him in a dive and his plane exploded it was definitely sabotage there at Providence Rhode Island airport. Plane details crashed near NAS Quonset Point, RI Jun 18, 1942 after exploding in midair in a dive.
. 22 Jul 42 41-742 North American AT-6A-NT Texan Overcash, Robert J O-441012 64FS 57FG . W/o Based at Norfolk AAF, VA  Plane destroyed Mather Field, CA 
. 9 Aug 42 . I have not found a record of this victory . . . 57FG AMEAF . Pilots of Group go on first mission as part of 233rd RAF Wing. ( 233th Wing
No.2 Sq SAAF (16x Kittyhawks I, II & III), No.4 Sq SAAF (16x Kittyhawks I, II & III) No.5 Sq SAAF (16x Tomahawks) (Another good site on the SAAF)
No.260 Sq (16x Kittyhawks I & IIb)) First Me-109 shot down by 66 FS.
. 12 Aug 42 other sources have the date as 14 Aug 42

 

 . . O'Neil, William  . 65FS 57FG 9AF S/d

Pilots in first combat with enemy air as part of 233rd RAF Wing. Group suffers first casualty – O’Neill, 65th FS, who swam
back, claims one victory, six P-40s of the 57FG and 12,  260 Sqdn. RAF Kittyhawks  escorted Baltimores and 11 Bostons to bomb El Fuka airport. When the formation was attacked by ten Bf-109s, of II/JG-27 and four from III/JG-53,  the P-40s turned into the attack and Lt. William O'Neil fought 5 by himself, claimed ( unfounded) to have shot down two Bf-109s before being shot down bailing out of his burning plane. He was rescued later in the sea. O'Neill was from the 65FS and flying as a wingman with section Leader Ron Cundy, RAF 260 Sqdn . The bombers were SAAF . His claims weren't allowed as the Me 109 units, lost no planes in that combat, 14.08.42 Ofw. Erwin Sawallisch: 29,  4./JG 27,  Curtiss P-40,  2 km. N. Fűka: 2.000 m. 06.15 Film C. 2031/II Anerk: Nr.283 (Source for German claim Terry T via, www.armyairforces.com )   Erwin Sawallisch, flew in Stabsschwarm II./JG 27, Disappeared while on a Werkstattflug on August 19. 1942. His naked body washed ashore  later in Etrétart area.
Buried at El Alamein in Egypt, On that day Lt. Hans-Arnold Stahlschmidt from 2./JG 27 with his wingman started from Fuka and shot down 2 P-40 on 8.15 and 8.25 hours. After landing in the base he came to kommodore JG 27, Maj. Edu Neumann, claimed 2 victories and reported that during his second fight saw 5 Bf 109 shooting into sand!
. 17 Aug 42 . Convoy Leader Nelson, Carl A O-254468 64FS 57FG . . Arrived in Palestine, He left his overseas duty in August of 1943 and came home. During the war he was convoy leader for the 64th and 65th squadron, A party. He was attached to the 57th fighter group. From his military record he was in the following battles: Egypt-Lybia GO 33 WD 45, Sicily GO 33 WD 45, and Tunisia GO 33 WD 45. He was awarded the African Campaign Ribbon w/3 stars and a presidential citation w/1 OLC GO 23 9th AF '44. He retired with the rank of Major. During his overseas assignment he was promoted to Captain and then towards the end of his assignment - Major. He lived until the age of 104, passing away
November 30th, 2007.
. 18 Aug 42 41-6727 Bell P-39D-BE Airacobra Cohn, Herbert M O-791283 66FS 57FG . . Plane destroyed, force landed after fuel exhaustion and wrecked at Midway, FL Aug 18, 1942 and DBR Dale Mabry AAF 18 Mi NE, FL. USA. Pilot has later service with 66FS, 57FG, 1943
. Aug 42 41-1385? Curtiss P-40F Warhawk . . 66FS 57FG AMEAF . Numbered 70, spent time on attachment training with RAF 260 Sqdn, possibilities include, 41-13857 condemned inventory Jul 8, 1944, 41-13858 diverted to French ADO Apr 17, 1945
. 31 Aug 42 . . Fairlamb, Charles . 66FS 57FG AMEAF . As a Unit flies its first mission with the RAF from Landing Ground 97 in Egypt
. 4 Sep 42 41-13970 Curtiss P-40F Warhawk (White 95) Williams, Thomas T O-442317 66FS 57FG AMEAF   Claims 1 probable Bf-109 while flying with 260 Sqdn near El Alamein
. 16 Sep 42 . . . . . 57FG AMEAF . Group placed under the operational control of the RAF 211 Group, on active reserve. Through August and September 57th Fighter Group continued training with the RAF where they learnt formation and combat tactics over the desert. On 16 September the Group came under operational control of Air Officer Commanding, Western Desert. The 64th and 65th FS became a separate wing in RAF 211 Group while 66th FS was transferred to RAF 239 Wing on 6 October.
. . . P-40 Fairlamb, Charles . 66FS 57FG AMEAF .  Plane coded 70, Crew Chief Herb Gluckman
. 17 Sep 42 . . . . . 57FG AMEAF . Landing ground 174, 57th Fighter Group unites all 3 squadrons after training with RAF units but 64FS and 65FS still operate with RAF 233 Wing while the 66FS operates with RAF 239 Wing
. 19 Sept 42 . . . . . 57FG AMEAF   First combat operation as a group (under 239 RAF Wing).
. 28 Sept 42 . . Rice, Arthur T . 66FS 57FG AMEAF . Claims 1 victory
. 3 Oct 42 . . Beagle, Frank A . 66FS 57FG AMEAF . Claims 1 victory
. 6 Oct 42 . . . . 66FS 57FG AMEAF . 66th Sqdn. Attached to the 239th RAF Wing
. 9 Oct 42 . . Mount, William J O-431814 64FS 57FG AMEAF . Claims 1 victory Bf-109 near El Daba
. 13 Oct 42 . . Nichols, Robert N. O-427766 65FS 57FG AMEAF KIA The 65th fought against 20BF 109F, claiming two for one loss. Entered the Service from: Missouri, Buried at: Plot C Row 4 Grave 1, North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia, Awards: Purple Heart
. 13 Oct 42 . . Mobbs, George D O-427761 64FS 57FG AMEAF . Claims 1 victory Bf-109
. Oct 42 . Curtiss P-40F Warhawk (White 47 named Sally) Salisbury, Arthur . 65FS 57FG . . Sally was in very small print below and in-between the first and second set of exhaust pipes below that was the number 47 on lower engine necelle
. 22 Oct 42 . . . . . 57FG USDAF   U.S. Desert Air Force activated (redesignation of the USAMEAF).
. 25 Oct 42 . . Beck, William S O-440967 64FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory, over LG20,  Bf-109 
. 25 Oct 42 . . Bilby, Glade B "Buck" O-416982 64FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory, over LG20,  Bf-109 
. 25 Oct 42 . . Wheeler, Clermont E O-393741 64FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory, over LG20,  Bf-109 
Not officially listed 25 Oct 42 . Curtiss P-40F Warhawk (White 17) Middleditch, Lyman Jr O-427759 64FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory, over LG20 shot Bf-109 off the tail of Lt Ernest D Hartman 
. 26 Oct 42 . Curtiss P-40F Warhawk (White 54, named "Margo") Clark, Thomas W O-406233 65FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 2 victories, C202, White 54 was the assigned plane of Leo B Margolian, South of El Daba 1425 hours
. 26 Oct 42 . . Metcalf, Robert L O-442290 65FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory, C202 South of El Daba 1425 hours
. 26 Oct 42 . Curtiss P-40F Warhawk (White 43, named "Miss Fury !") Whittaker, Roy E "Deke" O-431582 65FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 2 victories, , C202 South of El Daba 1425 hours
. 27 Oct 42 . Curtiss P-40F Warhawk (White 13) Middleditch, Lyman Jr O-427759 64FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 3 victories, Bf-109 returning from an attack on LG 20 he landed back at LG 174, received the DFC for this action
. 27 Oct 42 . . Tilley, Thomas M O-432215 64FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 0.25 victory
. 27 Oct 42 . . Taylor, William E O-430950 65FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 0.25 victory
. 27 Oct 42 . Curtiss P-40F Warhawk (White 54, named "Margo") Whittaker, Roy E "Deke" O-431582 65FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory, CR 42 near El Daba
. 27 Oct 42 . Curtiss P-40F Warhawk  White 46, (had number 46 painted low on the engine cowl his 1st plane named "Hun Hunter") Wymond, Gilbert O Jr O-431591 65FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 2 victories Usually flew #40 named "Hun Hunter" armourer was Nathan Goldberg, I am not sure if this was another P-40 or his P-47 ( he flew  16 planes named "Hun Hunter")
. 27 Oct 42 . . Campbell, William B O-440974 66FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 0.25 victory
. 27 Oct 42 . . Yates, William Jeeter O-417244 66FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 0.25 victory
. 28 Oct 42 . . Bilby, Glade B "Buck" O-416982 64FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory, On 28 October, for example, an attempt by Ju87s to attack our forward positions was so completely frustrated that the once formidable Stukas jettisoned their bombs on their own troops. A few days later a formation of British
and American Kittyhawks intercepted thirty Ju87s escorted by fifteen Me109s. The American fighters held the ring; the British fighters closed in and shot down seven of the enemy without loss to themselves; and again the Stukas jettisoned their bombs on their own troops
. 28 Oct 42 . . Overcash, Robert Jay O-441012 64FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 2 victories
. 28 Oct 42 . . Adams, Robert M O-432173 66FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory
. 28 Oct 42 . . Boulware, Thomas M O-432019 66FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory
. 28 Oct 42 . . Llewellyn, Raymond A O-420610 66FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory
. 30 Oct 42 . Curtiss P-40F Warhawk (White 32) Ryerson, Gordon L "Babe" O-420645 64FS 57FG USDAF WIA Claims 1 victory flips his plane on its back on landing at LG 174
. 31 Oct 42 . . Kimball, Richard W O-442139 65FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory
Other sources have 30th Oct 42 31Oct 42 . . Bell, Joe D O-432175 66FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory, Bf-109
Other sources have 30th Oct 42 31 Oct 42 . Curtiss P-40F Warhawk (White 13) Llewellyn, Raymond A O-420610 66FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory, Bf-109
.  2-Nov-42 . . Lancaster, Marvin E.  O-421934 64FS 57FG USDAF KIA Entered the Service from: North Carolina, Tablets of the Missing at North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia, Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart
. 3 Nov 42 . . Jenks, William E O-727474 64FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory
. 4 Nov  42 . . Merena, Steven C O-791316 64FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory
. 4 Nov  42 . . Williams, Thomas T O-442317 66FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory
. 4 Nov  42 . . Zipser, Albert O  O-432219 66FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory
. 6 Nov 42 . . . . . 57FG USDAF . Group temporarily assigned to RAF 212 Group. ( 243th Wing
No.1 SAAF Sq (16x Hurricane IIc) No.33 Sq (16x Hurricane IIc) No.213 Sq (16x Hurricane IIb))
Pilots of the 79th Fighter Group assigned to the 57th for training.
U.S. Army under Patton invaded Africa at Casablanca.
U.S. Army under Anderson and Ryder invaded Africa at Oran.
. 6 Nov 42 . P-40  McGoldrick, Peter, (Commanding Officer 79FG) O-020341 HQ 79FG USDAF KIA While gaining combat experience with the 57FG), struck land mine belly landing and exploded (David H Brown relates On one of the very first missions strafing on the Coast road instead of crossing the road and  keep on going he turned back to go back down the column and was shot down and crashed near Mersa Matruh. A few days later when the British Army moved westward they came upon his grave. The Germans had nailed his West Point ring to the newly made wooden cross and hung his Mae West on it. (For identification))
. . . . Brown, David H O-659654 86FS 79FG USDAF . Flew 27 missions with the 57th and a British Squadron transitioning to desert Air warfare earning the Air Medal and Purple Heart
. 7-Nov-42 . P-40 numbered  3 (Star) 2 Ryerson, Gordon L.  O-420645 64FS 57FG USDAF KIA Entered the Service from: New York, Buried at: Plot C Row 17 Grave 1, North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia, Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart. Wounded he was able to bring his plane back, ground looped on landing, died a few days after this while being operated on for his wounds.
. 7 Nov 42 . . Brandon, Gerald M O-432177 64FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 0.5 victory
. 7 Nov 42 . . Mitchell, Delbert V O-421007 65FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 0.5 victory
. 7 Nov 42 . . Stefanik, John J O-430864 66FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 0.5 victory
. 7 Nov 42 . . Yates, William J O-417244 66FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 0.5 victory
. 10 Nov 42 . P-40 numbered 10, Crew Chief Robinson Wheeler, Clermont E O-393741 64FS 57FG USDAF POW Middle East Theatre: Egypt, Stalag 3A and work camps (Also Oflag 3-6) Luckenwalde (was originally interrogation center) Brandenburg, Prussia 52-13
. 11 Nov 42 . Ryan, Richard E O-420644 64FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory
. 11 Nov 42 . . Hurtzberg, Frank G O-442150 65FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory
. 11 Nov 42 . . Gilbertson, John T O-432190 66FS 57FG USDAF . Claims 1 victory
. 12 Nov 42 . . . . . 57FG 9AF . Ninth Air Force established – General Orders #1. Took over functions of U.S.D.A.F.
. 14 Nov 42 . . . . . 57FG 9AF   R.A.F. Squadron 112 (Shark  Squadron) attached to the 57th FG.
. 17 Nov 42 .  . . . 66FS 57FG 9AF . Leaves RAF 239 Wing and joins the Group at Martuba 57FG Group back to 211 RAF Group under 244 RAF Wing for operations control
. 18 Nov 42 . . Bell, Joe D O-432175 66FS 57FG 9AF POW Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11
. 20 Nov 42 . . . . . 57FG 9AF . Begins operating independently as a complete Group. By the end of November the Group had lost six planes. Benghazi captured/occupied.
RAF Squadron 112 (Shark Squadron) attached to the 57th Group., 66th Sqdn. Rejoins the Group.
. 1 Dec 42 . . Margolin, Leo B.  O-420749 65FS 57FG 9AF POW North African Theatre, Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12
. Dec 42 . . Benedict, William Pershing O-884138 66FS 57FG 9AF .

Benedict was assigned to 127 Squadron RAF on the 15 of March 1942 in Haifa, Palestine.  Benedict was shot down July 16, 1942, while he and 7 other Hurricanes were flying top cover for 8 Squadron.
Benedict transferred to the Army Air Corps in December of 1942 and was first assigned to the 79th Fighter Group and after only several weeks was reassigned to the 57th Fighter Group and the 66th Fighter Squadron. By December of 1943 Benedict was the CO of the 66th Fighter Squadron. In September of 1944 Benedict was assigned to the 87th Fighter Bomber Group and became the CO of the 526th Fighter Bomber Squadron.
Benedict came  home on leave in December of 1944 and married the girl he met in Canada
. 7 Dec 42 . . . . 66FS 57FG 9AF . RAF 112 Sqdn Dive bombing Marble Arch with 66FS/57FG flying out of Belanda, this was a 12 plane raid on the landing ground at Arco Philaenorum (Marble Arch)
. 8 Dec 42 . . Barnes, William S O-440964 64FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory, Bf-109. Mission that day was to bomb Marble Arch, led by Capt Richard E Ryan of the 64FG,  3 of the 79FG pilots flew P-40K with the 64FS, 57FG while the 65FS, 57FG flew top cover
. 8 Dec 42 . Curtiss P-40K-10-CU Warhawk (White 11) Mobbs, George D O-427761 64FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 2 victories, Bf-109 over Marble Arch airfield, continually harassed on the way back he roughly belly lands his plane
. 8 Dec 42 . . Merena, Steven C O-791316 64FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 2 victories, , Bf-109 over Marble Arch airfield
. 8 Dec 42 . . Jacqua, Arnold D O-440839 65FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 2 victories, , Bf-109 over Marble Arch airfield
. 10 Dec 42 . . Overcash, Robert J O-441012 64FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 11 Dec 42 42-46048 Curtiss P-40K-1-CU Warhawk . . . . . . Plane condemned Dec 11, 1942
. 11 Dec 42 42-46063 Curtiss P-40K-1-CU Warhawk . . . 57FG ? 9AF . Photographed at Gura, Eritrea, Africa, Air Depot.  Plane had 2 tone camouflage paint scheme. Possible but unlikely a 33FG plane. Fate of plane unknown to me  Gura Air Base was hurriedly set up as a repair base for fighter aircraft in case Rommel turned south. It was operated by Douglas Aircraft, and was not really a military base! There were only a few GIs stationed there. There were the military police, the tower operations, and the 104th Station Hospital which merged in with the Douglas Aircraft Hospital when it moved there from Massawa in the spring of 1943. There were more than five thousand employees of Douglas Aircraft stationed there as civilian aircraft workers and support people. They had signed work contracts with Douglas without any knowledge of where they would be going.  (83d Air Depot Group Lineage:  The 83d Air Depot Gp was assigned to the 5317th Air Depot Hq (P) (and probably to the Bengal Air Depot subsequently) from Dec 43. It was activated c. fall 1942. It was stationed at Gura, Titagarh, and Karachi, was inactivated on 19 Feb 46, disbanded 27 Sep 84.)
. 11 Dec 42 42-46065 Curtiss P-40K-1-CU Warhawk . . . 57FG ? 9AF . Photographed at Gura, Eritrea, Africa, Air Depot.  Plane had 2 tone camouflage paint scheme. Possible but unlikely a 33FG plane. Fate of plane unknown to me
. 12 Dec 42 42-10239 Curtiss P-40K-10-CU Warhawk Connely, Jack W. . 65FS 57FG 9AF . Plane later surveyed Sarasota AAF Sep 26, 1943, on mentioned date flown by Connely, Jack W, based out of Sarasota AAB, Florida, USA
. 12 Dec 42 . . Barnes, William S O-440964 64FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 13 Dec 42 . . Gilbertson, John T O-432190 66FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 13 Dec 42 . . Williams, Thomas T O-442317 66FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 14 Dec 42 . . Merena, Steven C O-791316 64FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 14 Dec 42 . . Merena, Steven C O-791316 64FS 57FG 9AF POW Middle East Theatre: Libya, Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12
. 18 Dec 42 . . Bell, Joe D. O-432175 66FS 57FG 9AF POW Middle East Theatre, Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11
. . . Information only Brandman, Norman . 66FS 57FG . . Crew Chief on P-40 #83 and P-47, #95
. 22 Dec 42 39-208 Curtiss P-40 Lydon, Leonard C.  O-022516 66FS 57FG . B/O Bailed out mechanical failure 1 mi S of Republic Airport, NY . Hometown: Dallas County, IA Later service with 315FS, 324FG
. Dec 42 . I only have 3 Pilots of the 8 planes  mentioned . . . 57FG 9AF . A costly month for the 57th a four squadron group with the attachment of the 85FS from the 79FG, as by mid month it had lost 8 P-40 in 5 missions.

1943

MACR# Date Serial# A/C Type  Pilot Service# Sqdn Group AF Status Comments
. 11 Jan 43 . . Beck, William S O-440967 64FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 11 Jan 43 . Curtiss P-40F Warhawk (White 60 "Tadpole") Constanzo, Charles F O-791285 65FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 11 Jan 43 41-13970 Curtiss P-40F Warhawk (White 95) William B Williams O-441055 66FS 57FG 9AF KIA Shot down by Bf-109 while flying top cover on armed reconnaissance mission no trace of "Count Pistof" or its pilot was ever found
. 12 Jan 43 . . Byrne, Robert J. Jr "Bobby" or "Rocky" O-440090 64FS 57FG 9AF WIA On January 12, 1943, Byrne was wounded during aerial combat. Shortly afterwards he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal to accompany the Purple Heart. Bobby Byrne passed away on April 10, 1993. He was 76 years old and is buried at Philadelphia Memorial Park in Pennsylvania.
. 13 Jan 43 . . Clark, Thomas W O-406233 65FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 13 Jan 43 . . Wymond, Gilbert O Jr O-431591 65FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 13 Jan 43 . . McMillan, Cecil M. Jr. O-727515 66FS 57FG 9AF KIA Entered the Service from: Alabama, Tablets of the Missing at North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia, Awards: Purple Heart
. 14 Jan 43 . . Bilby, Glade B "Buck" O-416982 64FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1.5 victories
. 14 Jan 43 . . Crowell, Glenn L O-727416 64FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 0.5 victory
. 16-Jan-43 . Thought to be on attachment Palermo, Raymond J.  O-420634 85FS 79FG 9AF KIA Entered the Service from: New Jersey, Tablets of the Missing at North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia, Awards: Purple Heart
. 20 Jan 43 . . Sneed, Marshell O-427779 65FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 28 Jan 43 . . . . . . . . RAF Sqdn 112 detached and returned to RAF Wing 239.
. 12-Feb-43 . . Stearns, Harold M.  O-420659 64FS 57FG 9AF KIA Entered the Service from: New York, Buried at: Plot D Row 21 Grave 12
North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia, Awards: Purple Heart
. 26 Feb 43 . . Clark, Thomas W O-406233 65FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 27-Feb-43 . . Sneed, Marshall  O-427779 65FS 57FG 9AF KIA Entered the Service from: Arkansas, Tablets of the Missing at North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia, Awards: Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Purple Heart  after seven months of overseas duty, Captain Sneed was shot down and killed in the Bay of Gabes, Tunisia, while attacking German forces in their flight to escape from Africa.
. 27-Feb-43 . . Kimball, Richard W O-442139 66FS 57FG 9AF POW North African Theatre, Stalag 7A Moosburg Bavaria 48-12 (Work Camps 3324-46 Krumbachstrasse 48011, Work Camp 3368 Munich 48-11) He passed away Mar 2003
. . . . . . . 57FG 9AF .

P40 of 57th FG of 65th FS... And that it was captured by the Italians during the first 10 days of March 1943... probably in Tunisia...

due to missing tailfin serial unknown at this time, plane coded 56

figghiuzzo@libero.it

Source:

http://www.web-birds.com/

12th/57/57th.htm

. 8 Mar 43 . . . . . . . . 314th Sqdn of 324th Fighter Group attached to the 57th
Conflict 10 Mar 43 41-20015 Curtiss P-40F-20-CU Warhawk Connely, Jack W . 65FS 57FG 9AF . Plane destroyed forced landing due to engine failure force landed in bush near Adre, French East Africa
. 13 Mar 43 . The 57FG, lost 5,  P-40s in a morning combat against BF 109s of  I/JG 77 over Gabes ( 2 of these where 314FS planes) . . . . . . II./JG 77 had clashed with 34 P-40 Warhawks of US 57 FG and shot down four of these against one own loss. II./JG 77 claimed to have shot down five Warhawks
. 13 Mar 43 . . Beck, William S  "Tommy" O-440967 64FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory, Bf 109 Near Gabes
. 13 Mar 43 . . Douglas, Robert K O-791293 64FS 57FG 9AF POW North African Theatre, Stalag 7A Moosburg Bavaria 48-12 (Work Camps 3324-46 Krumbachstrasse 48011, Work Camp 3368 Munich 48-11)
. 13 Mar 43 . . Gilbertson, John T O-432190 66FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory, Bf 109. Near Gabes we where attacked by Bf-109 and Macchi 202
. 13 Mar 43 . . Jenks, William  E O-727474 64FS 57FG 9AF FOD Hometown: Woodbury County, IA  Northwest African Air Force B-25s were sent against shipping northeast of Bizerte but failed to locate a target. US fighters hit positions and troop movement in the Mareth Line area. 34 P-40s of the US 57th FG flew top cover and fighter sweeps and engaged about 25 Bf 109s in combat. The 57th claimed 4 Bf 109s destroyed but lost 4 planes including 3 pilots.
....Lt. Ernst-Wilhelm Reinert of II./JG 77 had a very successful day in the skies over the Mareth Line. In the morning he destroyed a P-40 and in the afternoon he destroyed 5 P-39s. In total JG 77 wiped out 7 P-39s while the experienced US 33rd FG was reduced from 75 to 13 fighters and withdrawn to Morocco. In spite of their much higher losses, the Allies managed to increase the number of aircraft in Tunisia from 600 in January 1943 to 1,500 in mid-March 1943.
....Oblt. Siegfreid Freytag, Staffelkapitaen of 1./JG 77 was appointed Gruppenkommandeur of II./JG 77.
. 13 Mar 43 . . Knight, Archie J O-23236 66FS 57FG 9AF S/d Returned on Mar. 14th. Near Gabes, Claimed 1 victory, Bf 109 Near Gabes
. 13 Mar 43 . . Williams, Thomas T O-442317 66FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory, Bf 109 Near Gabes
. 13 Mar 43 . Curtiss P-40F Warhawk (White Y 10) Worley, Robert F . 314FS 324FG 9AF S/d Rtn The 314th pilots flying were Maj. Bob Worley, Squadron Commander, 324FG on attachment for combat training with 57FG, Bob Worley was shot down and bellied in but he made it back. Military career. Attained rank of Major General. Killed in action in Vietnam  23 July 1968
. 13 Mar 43 . . Simpson, John D. Jr. O-431900 314FS 324FG 9AF POW Simpson, John D. Jr., O-431900, POW, 314FS, 324FG, Middle East Theatre, Stalag 7A Moosburg Bavaria 48-12 (Work Camps 3324-46 Krumbachstrasse 48011, Work Camp 3368 Munich 48-11) The first 314th combat exposure was on March 13, 1943, while on attachment with 57FG. It was to be a three squadron fighter sweep over Gabes. The 314th pilots flying were Maj. Bob Worley, Squadron Commander, Capt. Jimmie Phillips, "A" Flight Leader, Capt. John Simpson, "B" Flight Leader and Capt. Les Krause, "C" Flight Leader. Krause describes the mission. "I'll never forget my first combat mission. We all had the Hollywood concept of how a war was fought. Jimmy Phillips and I were assigned to the 57th Group Commander's (Col. Art Salisbury) Flight. Jimmy was to fly on Salisbury' wing (#2 position) and I was to fly on the Element Leader's wing (#4 position). My Element Leader aborted so I then was flying on Salisbury's wing opposite Jimmie. We crossed the bomb line and was approaching Gabes. Suddenly the flak started coming up, black puffs all around us. Any pilot who says he is not tense under these conditions, or even scared, is not telling the truth. Both Jimmy and I closed in to fly close formation on Salisbury. We figured if we were close to him we would be safer since he knew what best to do. Almost instantly he looked at both of us and shouted over the radio, "Get the hell away from me! I'm trying to get out of it too!" Then we got bounced by a bunch of Me-109's. I think I only saw three or four of them. During the debriefing I found out there were 30+. I about dropped a load in my pants. Where were the others I didn't see! I don't remember what the 57th losses were but Bob Worley was shot down and bellied in but he made it back. However, Capt. Simpson was shot up, bellied in and was captured by the Germans. The morale of everyone, pilots and ground crews, hit a low. All our airplanes are supposed to come back. We learned quickly that Hollywood hadn't fought a war."
. 26 Mar 43 . . Barnes, William S. O-440964 64FS 57FG 9AF POW Middle East Theatre, Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11
. 26-Mar-43 . . Musgrove, Lee L. Jr. O-666976 314FS 324FG 9AF KIA On attachment to 57FG. Entered the Service from: Texas, Buried at: Plot I Row 15 Grave 11, North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia
. summer 43 . . Seitzinger, Ben . 65FS 57FG 9AF S/d In 1943, Captain joined with the 65th Fighter Squadron of the 57th Fighter Group in North Africa. During that summer, Ben was on a strafing mission near the base of Mt. Etna, where he took some ground fire and was wounded.  Seitz radioed for assistance, but none of the other pilots were able to get to his location.  He managed to belly-land his aircraft, but was captured by enemy troops.  He later managed to escape and evade, and made his way back to friendly lines.
. 31 Mar 43 . . Hayden, Harry J.  III O-432194 66FS 57FG 9AF KIA Entered the Service from: Ohio, Buried at: Plot B Row 4 Grave 20, North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia, Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Purple Heart
. 2-Apr-43 . Curtiss P-40K Middleditch, Lyman Jr O-427759 64FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory, Bf-109 over Gabes, 6./JG 77 lost a Bf 109 in an air combat with a P-40, north of Gabes, 4./JG 77 lost one Bf 109 in combat with Bostons and Spitfires over La Fauconnerie and 3./JG 77 lost one Bf 109 after combat with a P-40 near gabes in the evening.
. 8-Apr-43 . . Youngblood, Douglas R.  O-661422 314FS 324FG 9AF KIA On attachment to 57FG. Entered the Service from: Texas, Buried at: Plot G Row 1 Grave 4, North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia
155 8 Apr 43 41-14577

Curtiss P-40F-10-CU Warhawk

Kramer, William George see 4 Aug 43 65FS 57FG 9AF . Location, Sicily C-8818, Point Of Departure, Scordia L. G., Sicily.
. 8 Apr 43 . . Richie, Dudley W. Jr. O-727551 65FS 57FG 9AF POW North African Theatre, Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11
. 18-Apr-43 . . Blakeley, Robert Simpson O-727391 65FS 57FG 9AF

S/d

FOD date 19 Apr 1944

Hometown: Weber County, UT Bailed out at K-6885 (map coordinate) and his a/c (aircraft) hit the water at K-6284 (map coordinate).” “A pilot (possibly Lt. Blakeley) was seen swimming in the water. Sky conditions overcast, visibility poor”. In addition, five other pilots from the 57th were listed as missing in action. “Air and ground searches were conducted during the months of June, July and October, but no evidence was found which would aid in the locating and recovering of the remains of the subject deceased (Lt. Blakeley)
. 18 Apr 43 . . Bicksler, Edwin H. (A Flight) O-884145 314FS 324FG 9AF MIA On attachment to 57FG since 8 Mar 1943. Lt. Bicksler was a replacement pilot transferred from the RAF.  FOD date is given as 19 Apr 1944
. 18 Apr 43 . . Bryne, Robert J "Rocky" O-440090 64FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 3 victories
. 18 Apr 43 . . Campbell, William B O-440974 66FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 4 victories
. 18 Apr 43 . Curtiss P-40F Warhawk (Lost on landing) Cleaveland, Arthur B O-884136 66FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 5 victories Ju/52/3m, he was so excited that on landing he dug a wing tip in destroying his aircraft at El Diem
. 18 Apr 43 . . . . . . . . Luftwaffe pilots claiming kills defending the transports were Lt. Rolf Schlegel of 4./JG 53 for his 3d kill, Oblt. Fritz Dinger of 4./JG 53 for his 56th victory, Hptm. Gerhard Michalski of the Stab flight of II./JG 53 for his 52d kill and Ofw. Emil Babenz of the Stab flight of I./JG 53 for his 24th victory.
. 18 Apr 43 . . Costanso, Charles F. O-791285 65FS 57FG 9AF POW North African Theatre, Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11
. 18 Apr 43 . . Curl, James G O-420852 66FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 3 victories, 2 Ju-52 and 1 ME-109. Every escort fighter (eight Bf-109’s)  had been shot down and every pilot got back to base unharmed. Some took longer to get back than others. However every one of these pilots except Franz would loose their lives in the struggle we would later call World War II. ( Franz Stigler,  Messerschmitt 109G, 6/II/ JG27, only claim made was by Albin Dorfer 6/II/JG27 for a Spitfire)) Curl was KIA 19 Mar 45 with 52FG
. 18 Apr 43 . . Duffy, Richard E O-661296 314FS 324FG 9AF   On attachment to 57FG since 8 Mar 1943. Claims 5 Victories, JU-52 Hometown Walled Lake, Mich
. 18 Apr 43 . . Exon. Arthur E O-666908 64FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 18 Apr 43 . . Froning, Alfred G O-666916 65FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 2 victories
. 18 Apr 43 . . Gilbertson, John T O-432190 66FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 18 Apr 43 . . Hunziker, Richard Overton O-664187 65FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory, JU-52 other source has him downing an ME-109 as well
. 18 Apr 43 . . Leaf, Charles C ex RCAF O-884143 66FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 18 Apr 43 . . Livesey, William F T-190979 66FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 3.5 victories
. 18 Apr 43 . . Long, George W O-420841 66FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 2 victories
. 18 Apr 43 . . Looney, Robert  O-793943 66FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 18-Apr-43 . . Manda, Francis S O-795560 65FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 18 Apr 43 . . Mobbs, George D O-427761 64FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory. Palm Sunday Massacre. 
. 18 Apr 43 . . Phillips, James P (A Flight Leader) O-431503 314FS 324FG 9AF MIA On attachment to 57FG. Palm Sunday, The mission was scrambled at 1650 (4:40 PM) and the RAF Spitfire 92 Squadron rendezvoused with the P-40's over Sousse and took their position at the top of the formation. Dense flak was experienced after crossing the bomb line and continued until the formation was over the Bay of Tunis. At approximately 1745 (5:45 PM) the mission was on station and patrolling the area from Cape Bon to Tunis. An estimated formation of 100 Ju-52's was sighted with an estimated escort of 50 German fighters. Accounts vary as to the composition of the fighter force. One account says the force was composed of Me-109's, Me-110's and Macci 202's. However, Me-110's had never been seen in the theater and while Macci-202's were in the theater all the fighters shot down were Me-109's. The battle started and one might say attacking the slow performing Ju-52's was a "turkey shoot". Even though the 64th and the Spitfires kept many of the enemy fighters engaged several did break through to the battle taking place with the Ju-52's. There was bedlam and the Ju-52 formation turned east towards land and many crash landed on the Cape Bon beaches. The P-40's and Spitfires returned to their bases at approximately 1900 (7:00 PM). Total claimed victories were 58 Ju52's and 16 Me-109's destroyed. This includes 314th claims of 23 Ju-52's and 2 Me-109's.  FOD date is given as 19 Apr 1944
. 18 Apr 43 . . Powers, MacArthur Robert O-884149 314FS 324FG 9AF . On attachment to 57FG since 8 Mar 1943.. Claims 5 victories, 4 JU-52, 1 ME-109. Hometown Inwood, N.Y.
. 18-Apr-43 . . Randall, William J.  O-727543 65FS 57FG 9AF KIA Entered the Service from: California, Tablets of the Missing at North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia, Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart
. 18-Apr-43 . . Reed, Walter H O-441017 65FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 18 Apr 43 . . Smith, Alan H O-441037 64FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 18 Apr 43 . . Stanford, Henry H O-442298 65FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory. Other source has Lieut. Harry Stanford of Munising, Mich., who accounted for three JU-52’s corroborated that report.
. 18 Apr 43 . . Swartz, Walter M Jr O-884129 65FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 18 Apr 43 . . Thomas, Gordon F O-397559 65FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 18 Apr 43 . . Santry, John W O-666997 66FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 2 victories
. 18 Apr 43 . . Stefanik, John J O-430864 66FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 3 victories
. 18 Apr 43 . . Stout, Edward L O-728762 314FS 324FG 9AF . On attachment to 57FG since 8 Mar 1943. Claims 3 Victories
. 18 Apr 43 . . Weaver, Edwin R O-441053 65FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 2 victories
. 18 Apr 43 . . Werner, George R,  (C Flight) O-437055 314FS 324FG 9AF MIA On attachment to 57FG since 8 Mar 1943.. Palm Sunday FOD date is given as 19 Apr 1944
. 18 Apr 43 41-14081 Curtiss P-40F Warhawk (White 43 "Miss Fury") Whittaker, Roy E O-431582 65FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 4 victories 3 JU-52 and 1 ME 109 P-40 later (57th FG) MIA 15 Oct 1943, Italy. MACR 1299 and 1302
. 18 Apr 43 41-13947 Curtiss P-40F Warhawk (White 46, named "Hun Hunter") Wymond, Gilbert . 66FS 57FG 9AF . Plane he was flying that day. Plane condemned salvage May 30, 1944
. 18 Apr 43 . . Whiting, James G O-661415 314FS 324FG 9AF . On attachment to 57FG since 8 Mar 1943. Claims 3 Victories
. 18 Apr 43 . . Yehle, Vernon K O-661421 314FS 324FG 9AF . On attachment to 57FG since 8 Mar 1943. Claims 2 Victories
14564 19 Apr 43 42-45989

Curtiss P-40K-1-CU Warhawk

 Beck, William S. O-440967 64FS 57FG 9AF KIA Entered the Service from: Tennessee, Tablets of the Missing at North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia, Awards: Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. Location, P-7070. Point Of Departure, Grosseto, Italy
. 20-Apr-43 N/A N/A Smith, Alan H. O-441037 64FS 57FG 9AF KIA A much-decorated pilot, Lieut. Allen H. Smith, was killed by a bomb fragment and there were seven men injured., Entered the Service from: Michigan, Buried at: Plot I Row 12 Grave 6, North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia, Awards: Silver Star, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster
. 25-Apr-43 42-46037 Curtiss P-40K-1-CU Warhawk . . . . . . Plane condemned Dec 11, 1942
. 26 Apr 43 . . Bryne, Robert J "Rocky" O-440090 64FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 2 victories BF-109, providing escort for Ninth AF B-25s and/or RAF Baltimores on a mission to attack a landing ground at Soliman South, Tunisia.
. 26 Apr 43 42-46046 Curtiss P-40K-1-CU Warhawk (White 13) Overcash, Robert Johnson "Jay" O-441012 64FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 2 victories BF-109, providing escort for Ninth AF B-25s and/or RAF Baltimores on a mission to attack a landing ground at Soliman South, Tunisia. His final score was five.
. . 42-10135 Curtiss P-40K-10-CU Warhawk . . . . . . Plane to to USSR ?
.   41-19913 Curtiss P-40F-15-CU Warhawk (white 21 in front of the Star) . . 64FS 57FG 9AF . Planes fate unknown to me
. . 41-19964 Curtiss P-40F-20-CU Warhawk (white ?8 in front of the Star) . . . 57FG . . Planes fate unknown to me
. . 41-19985 Curtiss P-40F-20-CU Warhawk (white 79 in front of the Star) . . 66FS 57FG . . Plane went to 523FS, 27FG, crash landing 23 Feb 1944, McDace, Joseph M, Pomigiliano AF, Naples 
. 30 Apr 43 . . Froning, Alfred G O-666916 65FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 9 May 43 . . Woodbury, Roscoe E. Jr O-728797 314FS 324FG 9AF KIA On May 9, 1943 a two squadron mission was scheduled, a squadron from the 57th Fighter Group and the 314th with the 314th leading. The last flight of the 57th squadron was late getting in to takeoff position on the other runway. A pilot in the last element was taxiing too fast. To avoid colliding with the plane in front of him he slammed on his brakes and nosed his aircraft up at the intersection of the two runways. Due to all the dust the control tower couldn't see this dangerous condition and gave the green light for takeoff to the lead element of the 314th. Somehow the lead element cleared the nosed up P-40 but didn't break radio silence to report the nosed up P-40. When the second element saw that the lead element was airborne they started their takeoff. The element leader cleared the P-40 on the left but his wing man hit it dead on and both aircraft burst into flames. The pilot of the nosed up P-40 had long since abandoned his airplane. A Life Magazine reporter and photographer were present and the July 5, 1943 Life Magazine has a picture of the funeral on the cover and as a header for the story, America's Combat Dead. A tragic and unnecessary loss. A LIFE magazine crew happened to be covering events the day of the accident. Lt. Woodbury’s funeral made the cover of the July 5, 1943 issue. Pallbearers were enlisted men, led by lst Sergeant Ashbock, right front
. 23 May 43 . . . . . . . . 314FS. returned to its own 324FG.
. 31 May 43 N/A N/A Stahl, Adrian E O-727571 66FS 57FG 12AF . The following are members of this organization who have distinguished
Themselves in action against the enemy during the period, 1 May, 1943 to
31 May, 1943. . As a result of operations against the enemy in this theatre the
following named pilots have been awarded the Air Medal
. 31 May 43 N/A N/A Stefanik, John J O-430864 66FS 57FG 12AF . The following are members of this organization who have distinguished
Themselves in action against the enemy during the period, 1 May, 1943 to
31 May, 1943. . As a result of operations against the enemy in this theatre the
following named pilots have been awarded the Air Medal
. 31 May 43 N/A N/A Benedict, William P O-884138 66FS 57FG 12AF . The following are members of this organization who have distinguished
Themselves in action against the enemy during the period, 1 May, 1943 to
31 May, 1943. . As a result of operations against the enemy in this theatre the
following named pilots have been awarded the Air Medal
. 31 May 43 N/A N/A Claxon, Arlie Wade O-440975 66FS 57FG 12AF . The following are members of this organization who have distinguished
Themselves in action against the enemy during the period, 1 May, 1943 to
31 May, 1943. . As a result of operations against the enemy in this theatre the
following named pilots have been awarded the Air Medal
. 31 May 43 N/A N/A Cleveland, Arthur B O-884136 66FS 57FG 12AF . The following are members of this organization who have distinguished
Themselves in action against the enemy during the period, 1 May, 1943 to
31 May, 1943. . As a result of operations against the enemy in this theatre the
following named pilots have been awarded the Air Medal
. 31 May 43 N/A N/A Leaf, Charles C O-884143 66FS 57FG 12AF . The following are members of this organization who have distinguished
Themselves in action against the enemy during the period, 1 May, 1943 to
31 May, 1943. . As a result of operations against the enemy in this theatre the
following named pilots have been awarded the Air Medal
. 6 Jun 43 . . Barker, Henry H Jr O-664212 65FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
. 7 Jun 43 . . Froning, Alfred G O-666916 65FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
. 11 Jun 43 . Nuding, William Fredrick Jr O-736309 64FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory ( Date of following  incident unknown to me. The fighter sweeps from Cape Bon did not produce a turning dogfight or a real opportunity to claim a victory for either

side. Bill Nuding, flying wing for Rocky Bryne, was involved in an incident where with some miraculous shooting at extreme range, he shot down an Royal Air Force (RAF) Spitfire mistaken for an Me 109. The Spitfires were on the deck over the water heading west. Rocky Byrne’s section, at 14,000 feet heading east, identified the Spit formation as Me 109s. They rolled in on the attack but could not close to shooting range after levelling out on the deck. Bill had the fastest of the four P-40s, so Rocky

cleared him to chase and shoot. He could not close the gap and was still out of range but decided to shoot anyway. His long burst hit the Spitfire with disastrous and fatal results. Investigation of the unfortunate incident absolved Bill, questioned

Rocky’s leadership decision, but did not assign any criminal negligence. It certainly strained the healthy relations

we had enjoyed with our RAF friends.)
. 11 Jun 43 . . Hadnot, James W O-666932 65FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 2 victories
. 7 Jul 43 . . Hare, James C O-675927 65FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory Crew Chief Vern Coe
. 31 Jul 43 . Nuding, William Fredrick  Jr O-736309 64FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
. 4-Aug-43 . . Kramer, William G. O-737142   65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Entered the Service from: Illinois, Buried at: Plot E Row 5 Grave 5, Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy, Awards: Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart  
. Date Unknown by me . . Bilby, Glade B "Buck" O-416982 64FS 57FG 12AF S/d, flak

As I (McCarthy, Michael C his wingman) pulled into formation on Buck’s wing, his airplane trailed white smoke indicating a rupture in his coolant system.

Liquid-cooled engines overheat quickly and seize without an intact radiator. I called Buck to suggest we stay high enough

for him to bail out. His engine seized promptly. Setting up a glide, Buck got out with a good chute at 3,000 feet. We were over water south of the busy shipping channel between Sicily and Italy. I followed the chute to the water and circled while Buck inflated and crawled into his dingy. My element leader told me to stay until relieved. A RAF “Duck Butt” (rescue biplane) was on the way and a fresh P-40 element would replace me.

Meanwhile, the Germans had a boat underway to capture Major Bilby. Having plenty of ammo, I destroyed the heavily

armed boat. It was listing with no sign of life or power on my

last pass overhead. Fuel was getting low, but I stayed until the rescue amphibian and the P-40s arrived. Both showed up

within minutes of each other. I left when they found Buck’s dingy. He was safe and my part of the job was finished.(After the war, Lieutenant Colonel Bilby, on the faculty of the Air Command and Staff School at Maxwell Air Force Base, was killed in a T-33 accident.)
175 8 Aug 43 41-14414

Curtiss P-40F-5-CU Warhawk

 Hart, James W Jr. O-795594 65FS 57FG 12AF FOD Hometown: Ouachita Parish, LA. Shot down by A/A. Location, North Of Mt. Etna. Sicily, Point Of Departure, Scordia, L. G., Sicily
. 8 Aug 43 . . McGill, William F O-727513 . 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Hart
. 8 Aug 43 . . Hadnot, James W O-6669?2 . 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Hart
. Date unknown to me . . Blednick, George A . 64FS 57FG 12AF . Engine failure forced belly landing on Lampedusa Island ferrying P-40 from repair depot Africa to the FG in Italy
. Date unknown to me . . Kowalski, Eugene E O-736250 64FS 57FG 12AF KIA

The airstrip at Rocco Bernardo lacked prominent side markings. The surface was firm sand that generated clouds of blowing dust whenever we took off. It was difficult to see enough of the runway to verify that it was clear. We shared this strip with

an RAF fighter squadron. One Hurricane landed just before a four-ship of ours rolled into position for takeoff. The Hurricane

generated a dust cloud on the rollout. Instead of waiting until visibility improved, the leader of our flight with my classmate,

Gene Kowalski, on his right wing began the takeoff roll. Within seconds, there was a fireball followed by an explosion. The dust cloud obscured the tragedy. The RAF pilot had pulled off

the runway to the right. He parked facing the runway at a safe distance, and shut down his engine. The two P-40s drifted enough to the right in dusty conditions to allow Gene Kowalski,

eyes correctly focused on his leader, to smash into the Hurricane, destroying two aircraft and pilots. Oblivious to the P-40s, the RAF pilot was still in his cockpit filling out aircraft

forms and never knew what hit him. Kowalski was buried with full military honors near the airstrip where he died. After the

war, his body was shipped home to his final resting place.
. 13 Aug 43 41-13965 Curtiss P-40F Warhawk . . 66FS 57FG 12AF . Numbered 9 star (unreadable) condemned Aug 13, 1943
. 13 Aug 43 41-13850 Curtiss P-40F Warhawk . . 66FS 57FG 12AF .

Number 7star 0 pilot and plane where attached to 260 Sqdn RAF during August to Sept 1942, condemned Aug 13, 1943

. 13 Aug 43 41-13969 Curtiss P-40F Warhawk . . 65FS 57FG 12AF . Numbered 55, named "Miss Harriet" served with the 65FS, condemned Aug 13, 1943
. 16 Sep 43 42-10543 Curtiss P-40L-5-CU Warhawk (White 32) Carll, Paul L O-795591 64FS 57FG 12AF . Photographed flying over Scordia, Sicily 2 days before the move to mainland Italy. Plane was condemned salvage Aug 10, 1944
. 19 Sep 43 42-10459 Curtiss P-40L-1-CU Warhawk Head, Billy M O-800531 66FS 57FG 12AF . Plane destroyed, Castello, Italy, plane was condemned taxi accident Sep 19, 1943
. 2-Oct-43 . . Reich, George D. O-795636 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Entered the Service from: New York, Buried at: Plot H Row 9 Grave 6, Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy, Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart
1110, serial number is given as 41-139937 10 Oct 43 41-13937

Curtiss P-40F Warhawk

 Fox, William R T-190900 66FS 57FG 12AF POW Capture date 17 Oct 1943, Location, E. Tordino R 98-59. Point Of Departure, Foggia # 1. North African Theatre: Italy. Stalag 5B Villingen Baden 48-08. Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated
. 10 Oct 43 . . Santry, John W O-666997 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Fox
. 10 Oct 43 . . Longenecker, Joe L. O-738267 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Fox
. 14 Oct 43 41-14462 Curtiss P-40F-10-CU Warhawk . . 66FS 57FG 12AF . Plane numbered 95, named Gaddis on rudder below serial number, condemned 14 Oct 43
1302 15 Oct 43 41-14081

Curtiss P-40F Warhawk (White 43 "Miss Fury")

 Goodman, Herman O-793611 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Queens County, NY. Italy, Location, N-19-24, Point Of Departure, Foggia # 1
. 15 Oct 43 . . Chapman, Richard A O-802249 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Goodman
1241 20 Oct 43 41-14590

Curtiss P-40F-10-CU Warhawk

Raskin, Maurice 

"Moe"

O-795635 64FS 57FG 12AF KIA

Entered the Service from: Iowa, Buried at: Plot A Row 1 Grave 35, Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy, Awards: Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters. Location, Vicinity Of Ancona, Point Of Departure, Foggia, Italy 

As I (McCarthy, Michael C)  rolled in, the P-40 ahead flying low and fast

was about to pass over the freight car he had been strafing when a tremendous explosion erupted. I was just far enough away to avoid the center of the burst but my airplane was blown straight up flipping end over end for what seemed an eternity. I reached relatively smooth air where I regained control. The engine was running and control response was normal. We rejoined

out to sea with one of us missing. Moe Raskin had been the P-40 directly over the center of that explosion.

. 20 Oct 43 . . Mears, James D O-666975 64FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Raskin
. 21 Oct 43 . . Benedict, William Pershing O-884138 66FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
. 21 Oct 43 . . Kriss, George O-800559 66FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
. 21 Oct 43 . . Shaw, Warren L O-667859 66FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
1141 30 Oct 43 MACR lists it as 41-145566 so I am going with 41-14566

Curtiss P-40F-10-CU Warhawk

 Neelly, Leonard P O-795615 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA  Greece. Location, C 21-14, Point Of Departure, Amendola L.G. Hometown: Duval County, FL
. 30 Oct 43 . . Leaf, Charles C O-884143 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Neelly
. 30 Oct 43 . . Bergon, Clinton W O-666773 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Neelly
. 31 Oct 43 . . Bell, Robert M O-736074 66FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
. 1 Nov 43 . . Lancaster, Stanley P O-674000 65FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
1309 6 Nov 43 41-14220 
Curtiss P-40F
Warhawk
 Barker, Henry H., Jr O-795560 65FS 57FG 12AF FOD Near Metkovic, Yugoslavia, Lost in area during attack on column of 200 M/T. Location, Metkovic, Yugoslavia, Point Of Departure, Amendola L. G., Italy. Hometown: Edmonson County, KY
1136 6 Nov 43 41-14235

Curtiss P-40F Warhawk

 Blackshaw, Robert M O-674026 65FS 57FG 12AF FOD Near Metkovic, Yugoslavia, Lost in area during attack on column of 200 M/T. Hometown: New York County, NY. Location, Metkovic, Yugoslavia, Point Of Departure, Amendola L. G, Italy
. 6 Nov 43 . . Manda, Francais S O-864212 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Blackshaw & Silver
. 6 Nov 43 . . Biglow, Claire A O-802238 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Blackshaw & Silver
1135 6 Nov 43 41-14578

Curtiss P-40F-10-CU Warhawk

 Silver, Michael T O-795654 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Near Metkovic, Yugoslavia, Lost in area during attack on column of 200 M/T. Hometown: Cuyahoga County, OH. Location, Metkovic, Yugoslavia, Point Of Departure, Amendola L. G, Italy
. 8 Nov 43 . . Musgrave, Clarence F O-736298 65FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
1184 12 Nov 43 41-14569

Curtiss P-40F-10-CU Warhawk

 Schwartz, Walter M O-884129 65FS 57FG 12AF POW Middle East Theatre: Yugoslavia, Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Brought down by AAA attacking Capljina m/y, crash-landed in village Visici, Yugoslavia, Plane numbered 52. Location, Gambela, Point Of Departure, Amendola L.G. , Italy Read about it here "A Memorable Mission"
1299 18 Nov 43 41-14081 Curtiss P-40F Warhawk McMahan, Charles R O-736285 66FS 57FG 12AF Rtn Bailed out after flak hit. Location, South of Popoli c-00-15, Point Of Departure, Amendola LG
1409 28 Nov 43 42-10453

Curtiss P-40L-1-CU Warhawk

 Turner, Stevens Heyward O-799277 64FS 57FG 12AF POW Yugoslavia. Location, Target Area, 42°50' N, 17°53' E, Point Of Departure, Amendola, Italy. Middle East Theatre: Yugoslavia. Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12
. 28 Nov 43 . . Novy, James S O-736308 . 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Turner
. 28 Nov 43 . . Schnieder, William A O-800600 . 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Turner
See 11265 for 24 Jan 1944 1 Dec 43 . . Llewellyn, Raymond A. O-420610 66FS 57FG 12AF POW North African Theatre, Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12
. 2 Dec 43 . . Frank, Louis III . 65FS 57FG 12AF B/o Bails out over Yugoslavia Returns 11 Dec 1943
. 8-Dec-43 . . Taylor, William E. O-430950 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Entered the Service from: Ohio, Tablets of the Missing at North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia, Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart
. 11-Dec-43 . . Duncan, Harry D. O-727427 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Entered the Service from: Louisiana, Tablets of the Missing at North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia, Awards: Purple Heart
. 13-Dec-43 . . Cohn, Herbert M.  O-791283 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Entered the Service from: Massachusetts, Tablets of the Missing at North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia, Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart
. 16 Dec 43 . . Froning, Alfred G O-666916 65FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 2 victories
. 16 Dec 43 . . Monahan, Harold T O-795614 65FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 2 victories
. 16 Dec 43 . . Meacham, Gerald  S O-736289 66FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 16 Dec 43 . . Reynolds, Joseph F O-794355 66FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1 victory
. 17 Dec 43 . . Shaw, Warren L O-667859 66FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
. 18 Dec 43 41-13946 Curtiss P-40F Warhawk Silva, Oliver  . 65FS 57FG 12AF . Landing accident, Amendola LG, Italy, plane condemned  Aug 13, 1943 
1604 20 Dec 43 41-20034

Curtiss P-40F-20-CU Warhawk

 Monahan, Harold T.  O-795614 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA

Location, [ILLEGIBLE], Point Of Departure, Amendola, L.G., Italy. Entered the Service from: New York, Tablets of the Missing at Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy, Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart
. 20 Dec 43 . . Miholich, Phillip W O-875798 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Monahan
. 20 Dec 43 . . Cocran, Edwin H O-87??74 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Monahan
1605 20 Dec 43 42-10926

CurtissP-40L-15-CU Warhawk

 Bigelow, Claire A.  O-802238 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA

Entered the Service from: Ohio, Tablets of the Missing at Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy, Awards: Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart. Location, Italy Sheet # 30, H-6986, Point Of Departure, Amendola, L.G., Italy
1618 21 Dec 43 41-14465

CurtissP-40F-10-CU

Warhawk

 Chapman, Richard Knill O-802249 66FS 57FG 12AF S/d Rtn Possibly numbered 92. Shot down by AAA, evaded, Yugoslavia. Location, 44°15' N. 15°14' E., Point Of Departure, Amendola L.G. , Italy
. 21 Dec 43 . . Bell, Robert Malcolm O-736876 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Chapman Robert Bell was taken POW but I have not been able to track a plane, date, or place
. 21 Dec 43 . . Shaw, Warren LaRue O-667859 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Chapman
. 30 Dec 43 41-14419 Curtiss P-40F-5-CU Warhawk Andrus, Ivan I O-798145 65FS 57FG 12AF . Landing accident Amendola LG, Italy, plane condemned salvage Jul 22, 1944

1944

MACR# Date Serial# A/C Type  Pilot Service# Sqdn Group AF Status Comments
. 7 Jan 44 . . Bettinger, William P O-816037 66FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
. 7 Jan 44 . . Johnson, Richard L O-812824 66FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
. 7 Jan 44 . . Davis, Thomas D Jr O-820277 66FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
. 7 Jan 44 . . Rahn, Claude G O-818019 66FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
. 12 Jan 44 41-14535 Curtiss P-40F-10-CU Warhawk Smith, Donald A O-807633 66FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged in landing accident, Amendola LG, Italy, plane later condemned salvage Mar 23, 1945
. 12 Jan 44 42-10714 Curtiss P-40L-10-CU Warhawk Looney, Robert O-793943 66FS 57FG 12AF . Landing accident, Amendola LG, Italy. plane condemned Apr 29, 1944
. 12 Jan 44 Werk unknown Me-109 Gohman, Harold R O-795589 66FS 57FG 12AF DNB Pilot killed bailing out from a captured German fighter, Amendola LG, Italy
. 12 Jan 44 . . Hunziker, Richard Overton O-664187 65FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
. 12 Jan 44 . . Micolich, Philip M O-875798 65FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
1807 21 Jan 44 41-14540 Curtiss P-40F-10-CU Warhawk Weber, Sheldon A O-751506 66FS 57FG 12AF S/d Rtn Shot down by AAA, Yugoslavia. Location, Hvarski Channel, Point Of Departure, Amendola L. G., Italy
. 21 Jan 44 . . Kriss, George O-800559 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Weber
. 21 Jan 44 . . Meachum, Gerard S O-738289 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Weber
. 21 Jan 44 42-10438 Curtiss P-40L-1-CU Warhawk Moore, Alden L . 66FS 57FG 12AF . Landing accident, Amendola LG, Italy, plane was condemned crash landing Jan 21, 1944
. 21 Jan 44 41-19810 Curtiss P-40F-15-CU Warhawk Thomas, Herbert M . 66FS 57FG 12AF . Landing accident,, , Capodichino, Italy, plane later lost Apr 28, 1944. MACR 4194, with 27thFG
Information only 1944 42-75719 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Hare, James C O-675927 65FS 57FG 12AF . Plane numbered 44, named *Wicked Wabbit* Crew Chief Vern Coe
. 29 Jan 44 . . Andrus, Ivan I O-798145 65FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
. 29 Jan 44 . . . . . . . . G.G. Johnson, F.W. Snyder, W.E. Schneider, J.J. Burke transferred to 79th FG, which is short of pilots.
2228 30 Jan 44 42-75637 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Miholich, Philip H. O-875798 65FS 57FG 12AF Rtn Sep Hit by AA fire, bailed out into the sea, rescued by partisans, after of couple of months returned to the unit, Trogir, Yugoslavia. Location, 43° 29' N - 15° 59' E, Point Of Departure:, Amendola L. G. Italy
. 14 Feb 44 42-22810 Republic P-47D-4-RA Thunderbolt Kelly, Joseph M . 64FS 57FG 12AF . Badly damaged crash landing, Amendola LG, Italy, plane later,  9 Mar 44 crashes, Vincent Wall - KIA, 79FS, 86FG
. 13 Feb 44 42-75716 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Wilson, George W . 64FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged taxiing, Alto LG, Corsica
. 13 Feb 44 42-25288 Republic P-47D-20-RE Thunderbolt Rudar, Louis F Jr . 64FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged taxiing, Alto LG, Corsica
. Feb 43 . . Liebing, Edward A O-736264 64FS 57FS 12AF DNB

Hometown: Oceana County, MI. Classmate Ed Liebing decided to give his crew chief a ride in the new P-47. Leaving the pilot’s chute behind, his crew chief sat in the bucket seat. Ed sat in his lap. Because there was more space in this cockpit than in the P-40, the procedure should have been more comfortable and safer. Ed, one of our best stick and rudder pilots, was careful and thorough but did not see an unmarked cable extending from the top of a mountain to a power plant on the coast south of Vesuvius. We lost the airplane and two lives. That ended the practice of two in a single-seat airplane.
. 22 Feb 44 . . Williams, Herman R T-60998 66FS 57FG 12AF B/o H.R. Williams parachutes into no-mans land on the beachhead
. 14 Mar 44 . . Henson, Walter H O-726210 66FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
. 23 Mar 44 . . Nuding, William Fredrick  Jr O-736309 64FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
3643 24 Mar 44 42-75995 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Towner, Loyst M. O-752254 64FS 57FG 12AF FOD Hometown: Lewis County, WA. Location A-2605. Point Of Departure, Cercola L.G.-Italy
. 24 Mar 44 . . Smith, Donald A O-807633 66FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory

3990

 24 Mar 44 42-75636 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt, Coughlin, David F O-802256 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Location, F 47-52, Point Of Departure, Cercola L.G.-Italy. Lt. Coughlin shot down by Spitfires – mistaken identity. Shot down in error by Spitfire off Tiber Estuary at 16.00 hrs.
. 24 Mar 44 . Video Jansen, Leon E O-811915 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Coughlin
. 24 Mar 44 . . Williams, Herman R T-60998 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Coughlin
, 28 Mar 44 . . Exon, Arthur Ernest O-666908 64FS 57FG 12AF . Exon gets one Me-109, Lenihan damages another Me-109.
. 30 Mar 44 43-12246 North American P-51B-1-NA Mustang Fast, J B T-124311 64FS 57FG 12AF DNB Hometown: Oklahoma County, OK. Pilot killed in missing aircraft, location of crash unknown, home base Bartow AAF, Bartow, FL, 
. 4 Apr 44 . . Donahue, Joseph Ray (of Pittsburgh)   65FS 57FG 12AF B/o Hit by ground fire he was forced to bail out 2km offshore from Folelli (Alto) Corsica, Pilot resuced by Walrus Sea Plane and returned to Alto. P-47 found by diver Jean Santoni offshore Corsica 1991 (A US military team searching for the remains of American WW2 soldiers has discovered the wreckage of two B-17 bombers and a P-47 fighter plane off the coast of Corsica. The 13-man team led by Captain George Mitroka conducted 7 days of marine searches equipped with sonars, radars, cameras and video equipment. A B-17 bomber that crashed off the coast of Calvi in Feb 1944 after a missed landing was found at a site known to local divers. A second one was discovered near Ajaccio airport at a depth of 12 metres. The P-47 fighter plane was discovered off the coast of Bastia after a diver provided the US team with the exact GPS coordinates of the wreckage.) An American Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighter-bomber was shoot down and sank  South of Bastia during a bombing attack in 1943.
4637 14 Apr 44 42-75705 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Gundersen, Neal H. O-814680 64FS 57FG 12AF  POW North African Theatre: Italy, Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12 (Not Confirmed)
Plane not confirmed  14 Apr 44 42-75836 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Carll, Paul Lauden O-796671 64FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 2 victories If this is the right plane it was numbered 32
. 15 Apr 44 . . Benedict, William P O-884138 66FS 57FG 12AF . Benedict, 66 FS CO, went down at sea – rescued
4517 20 Apr 44 42-76011 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt,  Franklin, Elkin L O-023819 64FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: St. Louis, MO. Location, W. 218973, Point Of Departure, Alto LG, Corsica
. 20 Apr 44 . . Frank, Louis III O-666915 64FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Franklin
. 20 Apr 44 . . Larson, Charles Hobart O-799195 64FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Franklin
. 20 Apr 44 . . Williams, Harry Lee O-686790 64FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Franklin
4751 20 Apr 44 42-25538 Republic P-47D-21-RE Thunderbolt Exon, Arthur Ernest O-666908 64FS 57FG 12AF POW European Theatre: Germany, Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11. Location, 0-2231, Point Of Departure, Alto LG, Corsica
. 23 Apr 44 42-75698 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt McCoy, Cortlandt, Jr . 66FS 57FG 12AF . Destroyed taking off, Alto LG, Corsica
. 23 Apr 44 42-75740 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Grant, Richard E O-686847 65FS 57FG 12AF . Badly damaged landing, Alto LG, Corsica
. 23 Apr 44 42-75964 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt McGilvary, Martin C . 65FS 57FG 12AF . Badly damaged landing,  Alto LG, Corsica
. 25Apr 44 . . Flood, Edwin O O-470527 66FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
. 1 May 44 42-76025 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Irbey, George S Jr O-390465 66FS 57FG 12AF W/o Destroyed landing, Alto LG, Corsica
. 4 May 44 42-76061 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Drenick, William J, O-810335 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Pilot killed in crash, Alto LG, Corsica
. 7 May 44 42-75722 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Newhouse, Ernest Hobart O-740263 64FS 57FG 12AF . Ground looped, Alto LG, Corsica
4890 16 May 44 42-75994 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Hunter, Robert J. O-1633997 66FS 57FG 12AF B/o Rtn Location, A- 10- 30, approximately 6 miles East of Verterbo, Italy Point Of Departure, Alto L.G. , Corsica. 
. 16 May 44 . . Bettinger, Stephen L O-816037 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Hunter
. May 44 . . Chaiten, Irwin . 66FS 57FG 12AF . Relieved of Combat Duties due to being an only survivor after his 13th mission Aug 44
5422 16 May 44 42-76014 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Gains, Robert H O-812797 66FS 57FG 12AF . Location, A-42-32, Point Of Departure, Alto L.G. , Italy
. 16 May 44 . . Wise, James B O-751515 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Gains
. 17 May 44 42-75770 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Ehney, William H O-818073 66FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged landing, Alto LG, Corsica
4835 19 May 44 42-75628 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt May, Thomas R. O-814721 66FS 57FG 12AF . Belly landed. Location, Q333-802, Point Of Departure, Alto L.G. , Corsica
. 19 May 44 . . Wise, James B O-751515 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with May
5073 24 May 44 42-75753 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Owens, William H. O-818007 65FS 57FG 12AF POW North African Theatre: Italy, Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11. Location, W-0387, Point Of Departure, Alto L.G., Corsica
. 24 May 44 . . Andrus, Ivan I O-798145 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Owens
. 24 May 44 . . Grant, Richard E O-686847 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Owens
. 24 May 44 42-75966 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Brown, Robert G . 64FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged taxiing, Alto LG, Corsica
. 24 May 44 42-74972 Republic P-47D-10-RE Thunderbolt Chamberlain, Carlton A . 64FS 57FG 12AF W/o Plane destroyed crashed on fire, Alto LG, Corsica
5077 25 May 44 42-75659 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Hitchcock, Mervin J O-816864 66FS 57FG 12AF POW Middle East Theatre: Yugoslavia, Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11Location, A17-40, Italy, Point Of Departure, Alto L.G., Corsica
. 25 May 44 . . Irbey, George S O-390465 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Hitchcock
. 25 May 44 . . Ehney, William H O-818073 66FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory, 4 FW-190 downed; Kriss, Flood, Ehney, Kaiser each get one.
Many P-38’s and P-51’s land at field for refuelling on a long mission.
. 25 May 44 . Kaiser, Robert E O-811918 66FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
. 25 May 44 . Kriss, George O-800559 66FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 2 victories
5075 25 May 44 42-76006 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Dickinson, William H O-812773 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Franklin County, AL. Location, A-1411, Point Of Departure, Alto L.G., Corsica
. 25 May 44 . . Bracha, Vincent J O-818478 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Dickinson
. 25 May 44 . . Flood, Edwin O O-470527 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Dickinson
. 25 May 44 42-75975 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Fournier, William J O-811881 65FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged taxiing, Alto LG, Corsica
. 25 May 44 42-75714 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Hall, Paul M O-745365 64FS 57FG 12AF W/o Plane destroyed ground looped on fire, Alto LG, Corsica
. 27 May 44 . . . . . 57FG 12AF . First P-47 with bubble canopy and uncamouflaged arrives. New plane, #45 bought by employees of Republic, presented to Group.
. 27 May 44 . . Bangiola, Paul . 66FS 57FG 12AF . He flew 50 missions until he was seriously wounded in action on his 50th mission, while strafing a gun emplacement near Buca, Italy.The last mission flown on May 27,1944, I resulted in a crash landing on Corsica, after sustaining four hits from 20mm ground fire.
. 2 Jun 44 42-75989 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Wise, James B Jr, O-751515 66FS 57FG 12AF W/o Plane destroyed taking off, Alto LG, Corsica
. 4 Jun 44 . . Lenihan, John Joseph O-799197 64FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 3 victories
5825 7 Jun 44 42-75010 Republic P-47D-10-RE Thunderbolt Newhouse, Ernest Hobart O-740263 64FS 57FG 12AF B/o Location, A-5668, Point Of Departure, Alto Landing Ground
5788 7 Jun 44 42-76008 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Fournier, William J. O-811881 65FS 57FG 12AF . Location, Q-5234 La Madonnina, Point Of Departure, Alto L.G. Corsica 5 pilots lost today in Operation Strangle. Most to date in any one day.
Bomb line is now between Rome and Florence.
. 7 Jun 44 . . Eubanks, James M O-811872 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Fournier
5787 7 Jun 44 42-76013 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Swartz, William T-61817 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Location, Q3320 Moidi-Rutione, Point Of Departure, Alto L.G. Corsica
. 7 Jun 44 . . Hunziker, Richard Overton O-664187 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Swartz
. 14 Jun 44 42-76012 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Pridgeon, Bobby J, . 66FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged landing, Alto LG, Corsica
. 14 Jun 44 42-22846 Republic P-47D-4-RA Thunderbolt Lancaster, Stanley P O-674000 65FS 57FG 12AF . Badly damaged, ground loop, Alto LG, Corsica
. 24 Jun 44 42-76027 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Coburn, Julius H Jr . 66FS 57FG 12AF W/o Plane destroyed landing, Alto LG, Corsica
6323 26 Jun 44 42-75770 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Burt, William C O-706350 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Lincoln Parish, LA. Location, M-32-25, Italy, Point Of Departure, Alto L.G., Corsica
6324 29 Jun 44 42-75863 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Martin, Samuel Allen,  O-814719 64FS 57FG 12AF . Location, Bethune. France, Point Of Departure, F-157
. 29 Jun 44 . . Berglund, George Albert O-810297 64FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Martin
. 29 Jun 44 . . Turack, Florian Lucas O-538858 64FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Martin
. 1 Jul 44 . . . . 66FS 57FG 12AF . On 1 July, Capitano Giulio Torresi on his first mission as commander of the 3a Squadriglia led five MC.205s and six G.55s from Io Gruppo Caccia in a scramble from Reggio Emilia. While climbing, they were attacked by eleven P-47s of the 66th FS of the 57th FG eight miles to the south at 11:15.
The P-47s first attacked the four MC.205s on top-cover patrol and shot down two, killing Sergente Maggiore Luigi Boscaro (2a Squadriglia). Sottotenente Elio Pezzi managed, although wounded, to crash land his aircraft with 80% damage. Next aircraft to be shot down was the G.55 of Torresi, which crashed near Via Emilia, killing the pilot. Maresciallo Romano Spazzoli (3a Squadriglia) baled out wounded. The last to fall was the MC.205 of Tenente Alessandro Beretta who parachuted safely.
The Italians claimed two enemy aircraft shot down, one of these being claimed by Sergente Maggiore Mario Veronesi at 11:16 at 600 meters height south-west of Reggio Emilia.
They had clashed with P-47s from the 66th FS, which claimed six destroyed 8 miles south of Reggio Landing Ground in the morning between 09:25 and 12:05 – two by Lieutenant Cleveland and one by Lieutenants Bettinger, Johnson, Davis and Rahn – and two damaged (both by Johnson). The Americans identified their opponents as ‘clipped-wing Bf109s’.The Americans suffered just one Cat. 1 damage and two Cat. 2.
. 1 Jul 44 . . Davis, Thomas D Jr O-820237  66FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
. 1 Jul 44 . . Rahn, Claude G O-818019 66FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 1 victory
. 1 Jul 44 . . Cleveland, Howard W O-820227 66FS 57FG 12AF . Claims 2 victories, Six FW-190’s downed by 66th FS and one probable. No losses. Bettinger – 1, T.O. Davis -1, Claude Rahn – 1, Howard Cleveland -2, R. Johnson -1. Two damaged.
. 6 Jul 44 . . Cleveland, Howard W O-820227 66FS 57FG 12AF . Howard Cleveland lands in sea, rescued by the walrus
. 7 Jul 44 other source have this as 6 Jul 42-26367 Republic P-47D-22-RE Thunderbolt Rahn, Claude G O-818019 66FS 57FG 12AF DNB Pilot killed hometown: Balitmore City, MD, plane destroyed in crash, Alto, Corsica. Claude Rahn, KIA – Flak
. 13 Jul 44 42-76019 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Ground crew . 66FS 57FG 12AF W/o Ground accident plane destroyed by fire, Alto, Corsica.
. 14 Jul 44 . . Pernicka, Louis J . 66FS 57FG 12AF . Lou Pernicka ends up in the sea on his first mission. Walrus rescues him
. 14 Jul 44 . . Ground  64FS 57FG 12AF W/o 64th FS plane catches fire on the runway, bombs explode, plane destroyed.
. 29 Jul 44 42-75745 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Markham, Joseph T O-679914 65FS 57FG 12AF DNB Pilot killed, plane destroyed in crash, Alto LG/off shore, Corsica
. 30 Jul 44 . . Goss, Quent 66FS 57FG 12AF . Flies his first combat mission 5 days after joining the Sqdn Hit by 20mm flak his left bomb does not release he landed back at Alto all intact
7333 30 Jul 44 42-26373 Republic P-47D-22-RE Thunderbolt Hain, Calvin S.Jr O-817933 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Philadelphia County, PA. Location, K-31-23, Point Of Departure, Alto L.G., Corsica
7324 2 Aug 44 42-26374 Republic P-47D-22-RE Thunderbolt Jones, Gordon H O-820279 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Location, H-40-33, Point Of Departure, Alto L. G. Corsica
. 4 Aug 44 42-75992 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Ruder, Louis F Jr, . 64FS 57FG 12AF W/o Plane destroyed taking off, Alto, Corsica
. 5 Aug 44 42-76025 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Bittner, Robert F O-821441 66FS 57FG 12AF DNB Pilot killed, plane destroyed landing, Alto, Corsica Best friend of Dave Hutton
Information only 10 Aug 44 42-26707 Republic P-47D-25-RE Thunderbolt Assigned to Hendricks, "Bud", Sylvester H. O-760388 65FS 57FG 12AF . Plane numbered 59 named *Belle* on pilot in cockpit left side and *Carol* on the right side under the canopy. By this date the plane had been transferred to 523FS, 27FG where it was involved in an accident 
. 10 Aug 44 42-26963 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Lord, James R O-710722 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Flying Grady Davenports' plane #81, Pilot killed, plane destroyed, in the sea near Alto, Corsica (other source has that he hit a telephone pole and scattered the plane down the road)
. 15 Aug 44 42-27254 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Wallin, Alvar B O-1100816 65FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged taxiing, Alto, Corsica
. 16 Aug 44 42-26711 Republic P-47D-25-RE Thunderbolt Johnson, Richard L O-812824 66FS 57FG 12AF . Badly damaged taxiing, Alto, Corsica
8256 17 Aug 44 42-26993 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Emerson, Roy C. O-660639 66FS 57FG 12AF FOD Hometown: Antelope County, NE. Location, S-5487, Point Of Departure, Alto L. G.
. 17 Aug 44 . . Williams, Hearman R O-1702933 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Emerson
. 17 Aug 44 . . Tench, William C O-820359 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Emerson
8095 18 Aug 44 42-75739 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt,  Bateman, William W O-705525 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Plane #50, named "Pudgy The Flying Hangover" Crashed on low level mission over France, Location, Pp T-8282, Point Of Departure, Alto L. G., Corsica, Location, Pp T-8282, Point Of Departure, Alto L. G., Corsica Honored by, Mr. & Mrs. J. C. Gatlin
. 18 Aug 44 . . Keith, Joe H O-661774 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Bateman
. 23 Aug 44 42-27011 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Gogan, Harry L O-821693 66FS 57FG 12AF . Badly damaged belly landing, Alto, Corsica
. 23 Aug 44 . . Pernicka, Louis J . 66FS 57FG 12AF WIA Pernicka has “forced” landing on the invasion beach near Florence Italy
8380 2 Sep 44 42-26421 Republic P-47D-25-RE Thunderbolt Davis, Thomas D O-820237 66FS 57FG 12AF FOD Plane numbered 87. Hometown: Muscogee County, GA. Downed in the area of Tende (south east of France). Location, L-9881, Point Of Departure, Alto L.G. Corsica
. 2 Sep 44 . . Swanson, Harold A O-708346 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Davis
8736 4 Sep 44 42-75664 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Peters, Edgar N. O-817091 64FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Dutchess County, NY. Location, J-3810, Point Of Departure, Alto Landing Ground
. 4 Sep 44 . . Mizell, Scrivner O-817994 64FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Peters
. 4 Sep 44 . . Scheller, Robert W O-801783 64FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Peters
8777 4 Sep 44 42-75744 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Mammarelli, Alfred D. O-714482 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Hampden County, MA. Location, F460-115, Point Of Departure, Alto L.G. Corsica
. 4 Sep 44 . . Hill, William R O-812814 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Mammarelli
. 4 Sep 44 . . Danks, Howard W O-758956 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Mammarelli
8734 5 Sep 44 42-75648 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Wittenberger, John A. O-686793 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Thayer County, NE. Location, P P. K-3232, Point Of Departure, Alto, L.G. Corsica. Dwight Orman was flying John "Whit" Wittenberger's wing. At the time I believe he had some 130 missions in and would soon be returning to the States. We had found a German convoy and began the attack. I was in loose trail well behind Whit and I saw his tracers as he was firing. Then about the time I was expecting him to pull up and come around for another pass, he slowly rolled over and continued into the ground - huge fireball. We figured he struck high tension lines along the highway or maybe took a round in the cockpit.
. 5 Sep 44 . . Wilson, Homer R O-818062 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Wittenberger
. 7 Sep 44 42-75840 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Noesges, John C O1551282 64FS 57FG 12AF DNB Pilot killed, plane destroyed in crash, Alto, Corsica. Hometown: Cook County, IL
8776 9 Sep 44 42-27269 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Bracha, Vincent J. O-818478 66FS 57FG 12AF B/o Rtn Location, 0-880495, Point Of Departure, Alto L G Corsica
. 9 Sep 44 . . Johnson, Richard R O-812824 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Bracha
8945 12 Sep 44 42-75729 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Rawson, Paul E. O-812873 64FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Hillsdale County, MI. Location, J-8545, Point Of Departure, Alto Landing Ground
8775 15 Sep 44 42-75679 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Bell, Donald W O-659638 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: State At Large, IN. Location, J83-32, Italy, Point Of Departure, Alto L.G
. 15 Sep 44 . . Mayberry, Charles W O-714494 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Bell
. 25 Sept 44 . . . . 66FS 57FG 12AF . Moves from Alto, Corsica to Grossetto, Italy
. 1 Oct 44 42-26644 Republic P-47D-25-RE Thunderbolt McDonnell, Harold E O-827477 66FS 57FG 12AF W/o Plane destroyed taking off due to engine failure, Grossoto Main, Italy
. 3 Oct 44 42-27657 Republic P-47D-23-RA Thunderbolt Mosites, George A O-434526 66FS 57FG 12AF . Badly damaged in a forced landing, fuel exhausted, Reggio Calabria, Italy
. 3 Oct 44 42-75981 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Mayberry, Charles W O-714494 66FS 57FG 12AF . Badly damaged in a forced landing, out of petrol, Reggio Calabria, Italy
. 6 Oct 44 . . . . . 57FG 12AF . Returning to the U.S. are Bettinger, Carlson, Davenport, Casida, Darrell he usually flew #94 his Crew Chief was Joe Chimenti,  Fleming, Ridley, Williams
. 7 Oct 44 42-28307 Republic P-47D-26-RA Thunderbolt Angelone, Joseph O-707637 66FS 57FG 12AF . Plane numbered 71. Named *Lil Abner*  Destroyed taking off, Grossoto Main, Italy
9328 12 Oct 44 42-75722 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Adams, Billy E O-711893 64FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Tarrant County, TX. Location, A D K-6584, Point Of Departure, Grosseto
. 12 Oct 44 . . Hall, Paul M O-745365 64FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Adams
9329 12 Oct 44 42-26368 Republic P-47D-22-RE Thunderbolt Dorval, George J. O-700833 64FS 57FG 12AF POW North African Theatre: Italy, Stalag 18A Wolfsberg Carinthia, Austria 46-15. Location, A D K-6584, Point Of Departure, Grosseto
9597 31 Oct 44 42-26795 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Lovato, George C. O-815729 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Plane numbered 63. Tuscany, Italy Location, 15 to 20 miles West of Siena, Point Of Departure, Grosseto LG Italy
. 31 Oct 44 . . Anderson, John P O-826354 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Lovato
. 8 Nov 44 42-75767 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Wilson, Homer R O-818062 65FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged landing, Grossetto LG , Italy
9710 10 Nov 44 42-29067 Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt Schultz, Warren Raymond O-817111 64FS 57FG 12AF POW Location, F-825010. Point Of Departure, Grosseto. North African Theatre. Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11. Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated
. 10 Nov 44 . . Barnum, Robert Alexander O-416978 . 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Schultz
9846 12 Nov 44 42-28385 Republic P-47D-26-RA Thunderbolt Noyd, Eugene L O-715581 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Plane numbered 79. Hometown: Harris County, TX, Crashed in Palsoco (Bergamo) North Italy hit by bomb blast after bombing Palazzollo S/Oglio railway bridge.
. 12 Nov 44 . . Ehney, William H O-818073 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Noyd
. 12 Nov 44 . . McCreary, Charles E O-813193 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Noyd
. 15 Nov 44 42-27066 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Lehman, Philip T O-720875 66FS 57FG 12AF . Badly damaged taking off, Grossoto Main, Italy
9849 16 Nov 44 42-27089 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Tench, William C O-820359 66FS 57FG 12AF B/o Location, M-15-97, Italy. Point of departure Grossoto Main
. 16 Nov 44 . . Moody, James L O-820309 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Tench
9987 17 Nov 44 44-20132 Republic P-47D-28-RE Thunderbolt Neumann, Charles R O-817082 64FS 57FG 12AF KIA Location, L-7864, Italy. Point of departure Grossoto Main
. 17 Nov 44 . . McCarthy, Michael Christopher O-736277 64FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Newmann
9990 18 Nov 44 42-75993 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Nickelson, Alvie H. "Nick" O-827257 65FS 57FG 12AF POW Location, L-3328, Italy. Point of departure Grossoto LG, Italy. North African Theatre: Italy, Stalag 4A Hohnstein (Airfield at Dresden-Klotsche) (No Base Camps: 13 Work Camps) Saxony 51-14
9979 18 Nov 44 44-20119 Republic P-47D-28-RE Thunderbolt Place, Richard L. O-710167 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Wayne County, MI. Location, F-15-60, Italy. Point of departure Grossoto Main, Italy.
. 18 Nov 44 . . Callen, Thomas H O-675418 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Place
. 18 Nov 44 . . Moody, James L O-820309 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Place
9960 21 Nov 44 42-75708 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Frierson, Edwin S. O-711983 64FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Caddo Parish, LA. Location, F-5265, Italy. Point of departure Grossoto Main, Italy.
. 21 Nov 44 . . Jones, Edward F O-714111 64FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Frierson
9961 21 Nov 44 44-20141 Republic P-47D-28-RE Thunderbolt Leek, Henry T Jr O-721448 66FS 57FG 12AF POW Location, F-57-81, Italy. Point of departure Grossoto Main, Italy.. North African Theatre: Italy, Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11
. 21 Nov 44 . . Mosites, George A O-434526 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Leek
. 21 Nov 44 . . Hartwig, James P O-678860 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Leek
9995 22 Nov 44 42-27255 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Bradshaw, Ralph B. O-752174 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Location, F-57-81, Italy. Point of departure Grossoto Main, Italy..
. 5 Dec 44 43-3622 North American B-25D-35 Mitchell Callan, Thomas H O-675412 66FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged landing, Grossoto Main, Italy
10381 9 Dec 44 42-27683 Republic P-47D-23-RA Thunderbolt Dehmer, Charles S O-691567 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Seneca County, OH. Location, G-22-74, Italy. Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main. P-47 s/n 42-27683 nicknamed "Jeeter" was the assigned aircraft of Lt. Col. William J. Yates.  Yates was one of the original members of the 57th and became Group CO in May of '45.  Crew Chief S/Sgt. Eugene Schnabel is shown in the photo.  On Dec. 9, 1944, 66 sq pilot Lt. Charles S. Dehmer was killed in action while flying this aircraft on a dive bombing mission in northern Italy (MACR 10381).
. 9 Dec 44 . . Weisenberger, Carl J O-710837 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Dehmer & Callen
. 9 Dec 44 . . Sherwood, Lincoln R O-774327 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Dehmer & Callen
10382 9 Dec 44 42-28358 Republic P-47D-26-RA Thunderbolt Callan, Thomas H O-675412 66FS 57FG 12AF POW Plane numbered 90. Location, G-38-64, Italy. Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main. North African Theatre: Italy. Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12
10386 9 Dec 44 42-26953 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Lown, Robert C O-827474 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Ulster County, NY. Location, G-20-14, Italy. Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main
. 9 Dec 44 . . McCreary, Charles E O-813193 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Lown
. 9 Dec 44 . . Swanson, Harold A O-708346 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Lown
10383 9 Dec 44 42-29041 Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt Dodds, Wayne S O-694131 66FS 57FG 12AF Rtn

Location, M-405-623, Italy. Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main.. HOMETOWN, Anamosa, IA., HONORED BY, Sam Dodds, Son,  His 59th mission out of 105 evaded for 31 days.
. 9 Dec 44 . . Anderson, Miller A O-707607 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Dodds
10373 10 Dec 44 42-28605 Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt Smith, Eugene F O-774332 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Hennepin County, MN. Location, F-67-99, Italy. Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main
. 10 Dec 44 . . Norris, Gene O-715580 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Smith, Eugene
. 17 Dec 44 42-76521 Republic P-47D-20-RE Thunderbolt Fandel, Roy O . 66FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged landing, Grossoto, Italy
. 19 Dec 44 42-29282 Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt Lee, Randolph W O-720873 66FS 57FG 12AF . Badly damaged taking off, Grossoto, Italy
. 19 Dec 44 42-75837 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Dano, Jack P . 64FS 57FG 12AF . Badly damaged take off accident due to engine failure, Grossoto, Italy
10773 20 Dec 44 42-29319 Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt Gogan, Harry L. O-821693 66FS 57FG 12AF POW His usual plane was #94 this day he was in plane #78. Location, A-77-22, Italy. Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main. Plane numbered 78, North African Theatre: Italy, Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, 66FS, 57FG, shot down over Rovereto, Italy and captured.
. 26 Dec 44 42-75825 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Herdrich, Donald G O-722206 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Pilot killed in crash,, Prata, Italy. Hometown: Cook County, IL
. 27 Dec 44 . . Cravens, James A. O-721985 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown Jenks, Tulsa County, OK, Honored by, Anna Wiley, Sister, SERVED IN 57TH FIGHTER GROUP IN NORTHERN ITALY FROM 3/44 TO 12/44. KILLED ON 12/27/44 WHEN AIRCRAFT CRASHED ON TAKEOFF.
. 29 Dec 44 42-26843 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Heron, Truman R O-722073 66FS 57FG 12AF . Badly damaged landing on fire, Grosseto AB, Italy

1945

MACR# Date Serial# A/C Type  Pilot Service# Sqdn Group AF Status Comments
10950 3 Jan 45 42-75640 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Manda, Francis S. O-664212 65FS 57FG 12AF POW Location, J-7821. Point Of Departure, Grosseto L G Italy. North African Theatre: Italy, Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11
10951 3 Jan 45 42-29019 Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt Lee, Randolph W O-720873 66FS 57FG 12AF POW Location, F-665-390 Italy. Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main. North African Theatre: Italy
. 3 Jan 45 . . Hutton, David T O-704679 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Lee
. 8 Jan 45 42-27070 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt McCollum, Walter G T-125360 66FS 57FG 12AF DNB Hometown: Lyon County, KY,.  Pilot killed lost at sea, Castiglone/ 6mi W, Italy
. 8 Jan 45 42-29315 Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt Bonnici, Harold P O-778004 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Pilot killed taking off, Grosseto, Italy
. 10 Jan 45 42-27179 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Harp, James L Jr . 64FS 57FG 12AF . Plane numbered 33, named *Sandra*. Damaged crash landing, Grosseto, Italy
. 11 Jan 45 42-75965 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Farmer, Vernon R . 64FS 57FG 12AF . Badly damaged landing, Grosseto, Italy
. 14 Jan 45 . . Clark, William C . 66FS 57FG 9AF . Claims 1victory
11394 20 Jan 45 42-75726 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt,  Graham, James Arthur O-821482 64FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Beaver County, PA. Location, G-2359. Point Of Departure, Grosseto
11714 21 Jan 45 42-28582 Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt Casterline, Clyde J O-774017 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Beaverhead County, MT. Location, K-8435. Point Of Departure, Grosseto L.G. Italy
. 21 Jan 45 . . Holmes, Wilburn R Jr O-708893 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Casterline
. 21 Jan 45 . . Pernicka, Louis J 66FS 57FG 12AF . His usual assigned plane was #97 named "Sweet Violet" While strafing he was hit by small arms fire and forced to parachute into the Mediterranean Sea
11709 22 Jan 45 42-25055 Curtiss P-47G-10-CU Thunderbolt Fraser, Louis E O-721371 64FS 57FG 12AF POW Hometown Many, Louisiana. North African Theatre: Italy, Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11
. . . . Garcia, Ray J   64FS 57FG 12AF . Plane coded #13, named "La Lou" in honor of his best friend Louis Fraser from Louisiana.
. 22 Jan 45 . . Ellington, Edward H O-432189 64FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Fraser
Conflict, unless it was repaired and redesignated 23 Jan 45 42-27848 Republic P-47D-23-RA Thunderbolt Greener, Carl L O-722055 65FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged taxiing, Grosseto, Italy ((35th FG) lost Oct 4, 1944, New Guinea. MACR 9019)
11706 25 Jan 45 42-75718 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Speirs, William R O-818039 HQ 57FG 12AF DOI Hometown: Essex County, NJ. Location, L-0060. Point Of Departure, Grosseto L.G. Italy
11822 27 Jan 45 42-26839 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Mayer, Fergus  O-707717 65FS 57FG 12AF POW North African Theatre: Italy
. 27 Jan 45 . . Murphy, John F O-827254 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Mayer saw him bail out
. 27 Jan 45 42-75966 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Opheim, Milton H, . 64FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged landing, Grosseto AB, Italy
Possible conflict 29 Jan 45 42-26754 Republic P-47D-25-RE Thunderbolt Keith, Joe H O-661774 65FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged belly landing, Grosseto, Italy, plane later ?  ((HD265) SOC Mar 28, 1946)
12087 4 Feb 45 42-29034 Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt,  Palovich, Edward J. O-774290 66FS 57FG 12AF POW Location, Area G10-60 Italy. Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main. North African Theatre: Italy, Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11
. 4 Feb 45 . . Jones, James A O-722104 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Palovich
12088 4 Feb 45 42-29344 Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt Groendycke, Guilford D O2057614 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Location, G11-63, Italy. Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main
. 4 Feb 45 . . Heron, Truman R O-722073 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Groendycke
. 7 Feb 45 42-29060 Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt McCreary, Charles E O-813193 66FS 57FG 12AF . Plane numbered 96, named *Mummy II*. Badly damaged landing, Grosseto, Italy Routine maintenance flight out of Grosetto - someone left a dust plug in the carburetor intake - on takeoff the engine of course fuel starved and quit and McCreary bellied the bird in with the sorry result - McCreary was not injured.
12121 8 Feb 45 42-27010 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Matula, Theodore O-817989 66FS 57FG 12AF S/d Plane #86 named *Lady Lavone*, Location, 1-06-16, Italy. Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main. Shot down evaded through the Gothic line
. 8 Feb 45 . . Blackburn, George M O-2057536 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Matula
12124 8 Feb 45 actual date of his crash was 6 Feb 45 he was shot on the 8th 42-29307

Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt

 Lyth, Alfred R.,  O-720887 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA

Location, L-10-10, Italy. Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main.

Lyth, Alfred R., 66th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group, Service # O-720887.
Lt Lyth was shot down near Caprignana (near Serchio Valley, Northern Italy, in the middle of the Gothic Line) on February 6, 1945, and captured by Fascist soldiers.
Two day later, Lyth was killed near Camporgiano with a rifle shot in his shoulder. Just after the war, a fascist captain called Simonetti was found guilty and executed by the U.S. soldiers. Is the only case I have found where a fascist war criminal was executed.
Lyth is now buried in the American cemetery of Florence.

B' Flight
Hartwig
Pernicka
McDonnell
Hays
Lehman (survived till 3 Mar 45)
Lewis
Lyth
12123 11 Feb 45 42-29350 Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt Douglas, Lindsey R.Jr O-692142 65FS 57FG 12AF POW North African Theatre: Italy
12144 13 Feb 45 44-20346 Republic P-47D-30-RE Thunderbolt Spalinger, Donald C O-719451 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Kern, CA, hit by flak, he did not bail out. F-44-58
. 13 Feb 45 . . Blackburn, George M O-2057536 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Spalinger
. 13 Feb 45 . . McDonnell, Harold E O-827477 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Spalinger
. 13 Feb 45 42-26806 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Knight, James T O-721931 64FS 57FG 12AF . Plane numbered 26. Damaged belly landing, Grosseto, Italy
. 16 Feb 45 42-26823 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Hutton, David T O-704679 66FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged belly landing, Grosseto, Italy
12363 17 Feb 45 42-26868 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Moody, James L O-820304 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Hamilton County, TN. Location, F-69-89, Italy, Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main
. 17 Feb 45 . . Hunnicutt, Samuel Z O-719347 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Moody
. 17 Feb 45 . . Smith, Aikens V O-774331 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Moody
. 18 Feb 45 42-26424 Republic P-47D-25-RE Thunderbolt Maier, Royce J O-766598 64FS 57FG 12AF KIA Pilot killed mid air collision, Grosseto, Italy
. 18 Feb 45 42-26769 Republic P-47D-25-RE Thunderbolt Knight, James T O-721931 64FS 57FG 12AF KIA Pilot killed mid air collision, Grosseto, Italy
12463 22 Feb 45 44-20140 Republic P-47D-28-RE Thunderbolt Sherwood, Lincoln R. O-774327 66FS 57FG 12AF S/d Rtn Location, L-57-42, Italy, Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main. Shot down by flak in Northern Apennines on 22 February 1945. As stated by MACR number 12463, the pilot was seen bailing out and making good descent with parachute. On the MACR, beside typewritten MIA status, there is handwritten RTD (Returned to organization).  The War Department official status of the pilot is DNB (died non-battle). I saw after the war ended the pilot's remains were buried in the Saint Johns Cemetery, Apache County, Arizona. The grave stone reports only birth and death date: 1922-1945. Anyone know the circumstances of the Lt Sherwood's death?
. 22 Feb 45 . . Goss, Quentin A O-25527 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Sherwood
. 22 Feb 45 . . Cunningham, William F O-2059746 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Sherwood
12575 26 Feb 45 44-20799 Republic P-47D-30-RE Thunderbolt Kruse, Richard W O-721437 66FS 57FG 12AF POW Location, F-66-59, Italy, Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main. North African Theatre: Italy
. 26 Feb 45 . . Angelone, Joseph O-707637 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Kruse
. 26 Feb 45 . . Monsell, Harry B O-2057662 66FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Kruse
12572 27 Feb 45 42-75725 Republic P-47D-15-RE Thunderbolt Anderson, William H O-2057523 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Rio Blanco County, CO. Location, A-7309, Point Of Departure, Grosseto L. G. Italy
. 27 Feb 45 . . Evans, Earle H O-679845 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Anderson & Hughes
12507 27 Feb 45 42-76022 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Hughes, Paul W O-2059783 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Fairfield County, OH. Plane named *Harsh Hit*  Location, G-2371, Point Of Departure, Grosseto L.G. Italy
12574 28 Feb 45 42-27948 Republic P-47D-23-RA Thunderbolt,  Beesley, Joseph G O2057496 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Madison County, ID. Plane named *Miss D*. Location, H-1888, Point Of Departure, Grosseto L. G. Italy
Information only Mar 45 42-27317 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt McCarthy, Michael Christopher O-736277 64FS 57FG 12AF . Assigned to McCarthy, Michael C. Numbered 31 named "Maggie Hogan" Crew Chief S/Sgt Santamaria Assistant Crew Chief Sgt B Benedetti, Armourer C Kidwell,  Grosseto , Italy
12565 3 Mar 45 42-26826 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Lehman, Philip T O-720875 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Philadelphia County, PA. Plane named *Leona* Location, J.-558-251, Italy, Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main
. 3 Mar 45 . . Norris, Gene "Jeep" O-715580 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Source; Jimmie Long Jr.'s book, "Tales From the Fighting Cock's Roost" he states from his diary that on March 3rd, 1945: Gene "Jeep" Norris (66th Squadron) was killed today.  They said he bailed out over Pianora and received a fatal skull fracture when he landed on a roof.
. 3 Mar 45 . . Jansen, Leon E O-811913 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Lehman
12906 7 Mar 45 42-75972 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Hewitt, Clarence L III "Rep" O-706390 65FS 57FG 12AF S/d Rtn

Plane named *Miss-Mi-Lovin* Location, G – 0443, Point Of Departure, Grosseto L.G. Italy. Plane named *Miss-Mi-Lovin* 

which was assigned to Al Welbes.

North African Theatre: Italy, Hit by AA fire near Padova, his plane crashed not far from Reggio. Hewitt was able to bale out, his chute did not open completely, but he was saved by some trees. Rescued by the partisans and sent trough the lines.
. 7 Mar 45 . . Brothers, Herbert H O-719257 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Hewitt
12907 7 Mar 45 44-33070 Republic P-47D-30-RA Thunderbolt Copeland, Loye M O1046755 65FS 57FG 12AF POW Location, G – 3464, Point Of Departure. Grosseto L.G. Italy. North African Theatre: Italy, immediately captured by the Germans and remained a POW at Stalag 13-D until May of '45. 
. 7 Mar 45 . . Crowe, Wilber C O-707615 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Copeland
. 3/10/45 44-20342 Republic P-47D-30-RE Thunderbolt Swanson, Harold A O-708346 66FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged taking off, engine fire, Grosseto, Italy
13007 12 Mar 45 42-26980  Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Reynolds, Myers Jay III O-812875 64FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Franklin County, NY. Location, K-4450, Point Of Departure, Grosseto
. 12 Mar 45 . . Dorsner, Edward L O-722015 64FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Reynolds
. 14 Mar 45 42-28047 Republic P-47D-23-RA Thunderbolt  Monroe, Eugene A . 64FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged landing, Grosseto, Italy
. 20 Mar 45 42-29278 Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt, Crommett, Ralph L . 64FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged, ground looped, Grosseto, Italy
12983 20 Mar 45 44-20873 Republic P-47D-30-RE Thunderbolt Anderson, Miller A O-707607 66FS 57FG 12AF POW Plane named *Sweetheart* on left side *Hell's Angel* on right side. Location, F-80-50, Italy, Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main. North African Theatre: Italy. 
. 27 Mar 45 44-20868 Republic P-47D-30-RE Thunderbolt Harp, James L . 64FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged taxiing, Caserta, Italy, plane later reclamation completed Olmstead AAF, Pa 18 Sep 1947
. 30 Mar 45 42-99575 Stinson L-5B Sentinel McCarthy, Michael Christopher O-736277 64FS 57FG 12AF . Badly damaged landing, Firenzuola, Italy
. 4 Apr 45 42-96151 Martin B-26B-55-MA Marauder Hicks, Joseph W Jr  . 596BS 397BG 9AF . Cat 3 damage landing, Perrone/A-72 , France. Former member 64FS, 57FG he flew 35 missions in Sicily and Italy also had service with 320BG and Korea and Vietnam conflicts before rejoining the 57FG in Alaska
13706 8 Apr 45 42-29321 Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt Hays, Louis O III O-722067 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Mid air collision flew under and into Truman R Herons prop. Plane numbered 84, named *Billie*. Location, Q-385-425, Italy, Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main. Coded 84, named "Billie", Pilot killed, mid air collision, Peccioli/ SE, Italy (Source for code and name, Christopher Shores, USAAF Fighter Units in MTO 1941-1945 ISBN 0 85045 244 9, picture pg 21)
. 10 Apr 45 42-28316 Republic P-47D-26-RA Thunderbolt Hanrahan, Raymond J . 66FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged landing, Grosseto, Italy
. 11 Apr 45 42-27294 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Parish, William W . 66FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged taxiing, Grosseto, Italy
14068 16 Apr 45 44-21024 Republic P-47D-30-RE Thunderbolt Mayberry, Charles W O-714494 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Plane named *Miss Frances VI* Location, E-70-38, Italy, Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main. Pilot killed in crash, Orbetello, Italy
13810 17 Apr 45 42-74988 Republic P-47D-10-RE Thunderbolt Peterson, Vernon R 02057014 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Hennepin County, MN. Location, L-475-575, Italy, Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main
14074 17 Apr 45 42-26448 Republic P-47D-25-RE Thunderbolt Matt, James L  02059807 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Plane named *Comet* Plane numbered 56. Hometown: Clayton County, IA. Location, L-698397, Point Of Departure, Grossetto L. G
. 17 Apr 45 . . Wallin, Alvar B O-1100816 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Matt
. 17 Apr 45 42-29021 Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt Diers, Henry H . 64FS 57FG 12AF . Badly damaged landing, Grosseto, Italy
14067 19 Apr 45 44-33625 Republic P-47D-30-RA Thunderbolt Goettel, Arthur C O-721382 64FS 57FG 12AF B/o Engine failure/oil leak. Location, L-611208, Point Of Departure, Grosseto
. 19 Apr 45 . . McGehean, Joseph M O-830409 64FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Goettel
14071 20 Apr 45 42-29264 Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt Orcutt, Robert B O-774284 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Plane named * Greta I *Plane numbered 97. Bologna, Italy. Location, L68-54, Italy, Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main. Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
. 20 Apr 45 42-26820 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt Orcutt, Robert B. O-774284 66FS 57FG 12AF .  Usually flew flew plane named (Trudie Jeanne,( pilots wife's name)),  (plane formerly with 100FS, 332nd FG, 15AF in June, 1944, transferred to 57FG, after being repaired from a landing accident 23 Jun 44, Lowell C. Steward) 
. 20 Apr 45 42-28047 Republic P-47D-23-RA Thunderbolt Nielsen, Robert N Jr . 64FS 57FG 12AF W/o Plane destroyed by fire landing accident, Grosseto, Italy
14004 22 Apr 45 42-29297 Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt Hauser, Joseph J O-2059293 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Plane named *Miss Criss* left side , *Smithy* on the right.  Hometown: Maricopa County, AZ. Location, M-2797, Point Of Departure, Grosseto L. G. Italy
. 22 Apr 45 . . McCluskey, Robert R O-2056875 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Hauser
14076 22 Apr 45 44-20118 Republic P-47D-28-RE Thunderbolt Thompson, Earl Alfred O1703868 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Plane named * My Naked Ass*.. Hometown: St. Louis, MO. Point Of Departure, Grosseto L. G. Italy.
14002 23 Apr 45 44-20866 Republic P-47D-30-RE Thunderbolt Hadley, Leonard R O2057716 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA From Indiana. Location, F-3209, Point Of Departure, Grosseto L. G. Italy. Numbered 53, named *Schmaltzie* on pilot seated in plane left side and *Mercedes*on the right side, while assigned to Middleton, Frank "Duffy" J., chief was S/Sgt. L. Walker and the armourer was Cpl. S. Bauer, condemned MIA 24 Apr 1945
14016 23 Apr 45

MACR lists

44-76024 think it should be 42-76024

 Republic P-47D-16-RE Thunderbolt Reichelderfer, Robert H O-2059355 64FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Dauphin County, PA. Pilot bailed out but parachute did not open. Location: F-6211, Point Of Departure: Grosseto. Plane coded #11, lost over Ostiglio, Italy Crew Chief was George E Graham prior to July 1944
. 23 Apr 45 . . Sheftall, William L Jr III O-2057609 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Hadley
14081 23 Apr 45 44-21035 Republic P-47D-30-RE Thunderbolt Hayney, Lloyd J O-2064048 65FS 57FG 12AF B/o  Location, M-1884, Point Of Departure, Grosseto L. G. Italy
14000 25 Apr 45 42-26789 Republic P-47D-27-RE Thunderbolt O'Rourke, Frank J O-2057010 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Woodbury County, IA. Plane named *Doggie II*  Location, F-9508, Point Of Departure, Grosseto L. G. Italy
. 23 Apr 45 . . Long, Jimmie R Jr O-1692746 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with O'Rourke
14011 25 Apr 45 44-21006 Republic P-47D-30-RE Thunderbolt Nickels, Albert B. O-721500 64FS 57FG 12AF S/d Rtn Location, L-0297, Point Of Departure, Grosseto. Shot down by Flak and survived a terrible crash.
. 23 Apr 45 . . Crommett, Ralph L O-2057572 64FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Nickels
14009 25 Apr 45 44-21077 Republic P-47D-30-RE Thunderbolt May, Charles E O-778203 64FS 57FG 12AF Rtn Location, K-9603, Point Of Departure, Grosseto
14010 26 Apr 45 44-20987 Republic P-47D-30-RE Thunderbolt Allen, Truman L O-721936 65FS 57FG 12AF KIA Hometown: Hunt County, TX. Plane named *Balls Out II*. Location, F-3770, Point Of Departure, Grosseto L. G. Italy.
. 26 Apr 45 . . Mull, Bradley A O-827251 65FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Allen
14079 29 Apr 45 MACR lists as 42-19586 which is a Bell P-39Q-1-BE Airacobra, 44-19586 Republic P-47D-28-RE Thunderbolt Smith, Aikens Vance O-774331 66FS 57FG 12AF KIA Location, Q-87-63, Italy, Point Of Departure, Grosseto Main. Killed, over Italy, when he bailed out and never attempted to open his parachute, possibly having struck the wing and was knocked unconscious or killed instantly.
. 6 May 45 42-26765 Republic P-47D-25-RE Thunderbolt Jones, Edward F O-714111 64FS 57FG 12AF . Badly damaged by fire during belly landing, Vallegio, Italy
. 13 May 45 42-28980 Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt Weaver, Gerald B . 66FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged taking off, Grosseto, Italy
14547 30 May 45 42-29374 Republic P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt Chiasson, John R O-2063976 64FS 57FG 12AF KIA Pilot killed in crash, Grosseto, Italy
. 30 May 45 . . Heckman, Raymond S Jr O-715212 64FS 57FG 12AF . Was flying with Chiasson
. 5 Jun 45 41-32511 North American AT-6C-NT Texan Morgan, Jack H . 64FS 57FG 12AF . Damaged belly landing, Grosseto, Italy
. 23 Jun 45 43-29953 Piper L-4H Grasshopper Johnson, Richard L O-812824 66FS 57FG 12AF . Badly damaged landing, Grosseto, Italy
. 18 Aug 45 . . . . . 57FG 12AF . Sea Owl steams into Boston Harbor at 11am to “Welcome Home” banners and whistle blowing by all boats in the harbor, and debarked. First U.S. Army Air Force Fighter Group to return to U.S. soil.
 
Home] [Nominal Roll 1940-45] [March Of  The Gladiators] [Gladiators] [K Flight] [112 Sqdn Personnel]  [Claims] [Bases 1939-1946 ] [Bill Barwick] [Plane Losses 1940 -45] [Prisoner of War] [In Memory of]  [Operations Room Book] [ Log Book Extracts] [112 Plane Codes] [Memories] [Letters Home] [RAF Map Napoli 40/14] [[Allied Air Forces in MTO 1942/43]] [USAAF Honor Rolls 1942-1943 MTO] [US Dispatches] [Photos ]