Lt. Harry Pape, 392nd FS, 367th FG, was flying P-38J 44-23627 "Kozy Koza" on 21 Nov 44 and had to leave formation due to mechanical failure. After leaving formation, Pape's remote compass failed and his radio was too weak to contact his wingman so that he could lead Pape back to home base. The custom in the 367th FG was to furnish maps to flight leaders only which left Pape without any navigational aids. He flew an estimated westerly heading long enough to ensure he was in friendly territory. He searched for a field and sighted the French airfield at Tours. He landed safely and arranged for the local Military Police to guard the aircraft. Pape then contacted the nearest AAF base who dispatched maintenance personnel to repair his P-38. The aircraft was repaired and Pape flew back to his home base navigating by a French road map.



A missing air crew report #10567 was written entirely due to a lack of communication. 44-23627 was later transferred to the 428th FS, 474th FG.