44-13608
media-18886.jpeg
UPL 18886
Maj. Wilson V “Bill” Edwards, 336th Fighter Squadron and Headquarters, ex 133 “Eagle” Squadron. P-51D 44-13608 VF-B. Maj Edwards became a POW flying this a/c on 13 July 1944.
While on an escort mission to Munich, aircraft struck by flak at 26,000’ through 10/10 cloud cover. A/C began streaming fuel and glycol, and losing speed and altitude. When the pilot reached the top of the cloud cover at 8,000’ he rolled the aircraft on its side and bailed out safely, landing 3 miles north of Birkenfeld, Germany. POW (MACR 6711/6719). 44-13608 crashed at Hattgenstein.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
- Unit Hierarchy: Headquarters
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 4th Fighter Group 336th Fighter Squadron Headquarters (4th Fighter Group) No 133 'Eagle' Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-885223
- Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
- Role/Job: Pilot
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Missions
- Date: 13 July 1944
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Crashed |
Hattgenstein, Germany | 13 July 1944 | While on an escort mission to Munich, aircraft struck by flak at 26,000’ through 10/10 cloud cover. A/C began streaming fuel and glycol, and losing speed and altitude. When the pilot reached the top of the cloud cover at 8,000’ he rolled the aircraft on its side and bailed out safely, landing 3 miles north of Birkenfeld, Germany. POW (MACR 6711/6719). |
Assigned Failed to Return (FTR) |
Debden, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11, UK | 13 July 1944 | Assigned to HQ Sqn, 4th FG, 8AF USAAF. |
Manufactured |
Inglewood, CA, USA | Built by North American. | |
Delivered |
California, USA | To USAAF. | |
Other Shipped overseas |
Merseyside, UK | Shipped overseas to ETO. |