44-15642
Assigned to 361FS, 356FG, 8AF USAAF. Mid air collision on a training flight, engaged in simulated combat with another P51D aircraft. A/C was observed to slice off a wing and fall into a flat spin. Completed approximately seven turns and hit in the mud flats of the Orwell River Suffolk, England, approximately 2 miles W of Trimley St. Mary, Suffolk. The cockpit of his plane burst into flames after it crashed. 13-Feb-45. Pilot 1st Lt Walter M Baskin killed in flying accident (KIFA).
Connections
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Units served with
![Ground crew of the 356th Fighter Group congratulate the pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt nicknamed "Zombie" at Martlesham Heath air base. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'ZOMBIE yellow, black outline. [illegible text] black white common practice of 361st FS.'](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-377162.jpg.webp?itok=Cj8CR9kY)
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 34th Bomb Group 356th Fighter Group 361st Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: 14095566 / O-817375
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 356th Fighter Group 361st Fighter Squadron
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Crew Chief
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Crashed |
Martlesham Heath, Martlesham, Ipswich, UK | 12 December 1944 | Landing Accident due to Mechanical Failure Martlesham Heath/Sta 369 Cat 3 damage 1st Lt Walter M Wale, 12-Dec-44. |
|
Crashed |
River Orwell, United Kingdom | 13 February 1945 | Mid air collision on a training flight, engaged in simulated combat with another P51D aircraft. A/C was observed to slice off a wing and fall into a flat spin. Completed approximately seven turns and hit in the mud flats of the Orwell River Suffolk, England, approximately 2 miles W of Trimley St. Mary, Suffolk. The cockpit of his plane burst into flames after it crashed. 13-Feb-45. Pilot 1st Lt Walter M Baskin killed in flying accident (KIFA). |
|
Manufactured |
Inglewood, CA, USA | Built at North American. | |
|
Delivered |
California, USA | Delivered to USAAF. | |
|
Assigned |
Martlesham Heath, Martlesham, Ipswich, UK | Assigned to 361FS, 356FG, 8AF USAAF. |
Revisions
ContributorAl_Skiff
Changes