42-66719
P-38H-1-LO 42-66719 was assigned to the 55FG/38FS at Nuthampstead, UK. On 18-Oct-43 the aircraft, piloted by 2LT Hugh E. Gillette, was deaptched with 32 others on a mission to escort bombers headed for Duren, Germany. Weather conditions made it impossible for the fighters to rendevous with the bomber stream and both the fighters and the bombers were recalled. It is believed that the aircraft sustained some sort of mechanical failure and 2LT Gillette radioed his flight leader that he was turning back. Last communication from 2LT Gillette said that he was abandoning the aircraft approximately 50 east of Clacton, UK. Air-Sea Rescue arrived at his reported position within eight minutes but neither he nor his aircraft were ever found. 1KIA MACR 1040.
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
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 55th Fighter Group 38th Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-740169
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Pilot
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Missions
- Date: 18 October 1943
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Other Failed to Return (FTR) Over Water (OW) |
English Channel | 18 October 1943 | Believed to have sustained some mechanical failure and was seen to turn back. Aircraft abandoned over the sea 50 miles east of Clacton. |
Revisions
Lee Cunningham 7-Jul-2015. Correcting MACR citation in Description to MACR 1040.
Lee Cunningham 7-Jul-2015. Added Markings and crafted Description based on "Losses of the 8th & 9th Air Forces", Stan Bishop & John A. Hey MBE. Added note to FTR event per MACR 4927.
MACR 1040 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database