42-67813
Added photo
Lightning P-48 Serial #42-67813 was flown by 2nd Lt Leroy Hokinson of
55thFighter Group/38th Fighter Squadron on a fighter sweep to mission to Venlo and Arnhem, The Netherlands on 31 January 1944. Hokinson and his wingman Lt Morris Leve, flying #42-67768, were shot down by an enemy FW190 fighter. Lt Leve was killed in the crash of his P-38, but Hokinson, bailing out at about 2000 ft, landed near Stiphout, The Netherlands and managed to evade capture by the Germans through the help of Dutch and Belgian patriots. Missing Air Crew Report - MACR 2017. Escape & Evasion Report E&E 1938.
Leroy Hokinson reported later that after the initial fight near Venlo he and his element leader, 1st Lt Morris Leve, had become separated from the main formation and set course for base at low level. Near Eindhoven, they were intercepted by a whole squadron of Me109s. Outnumbered, Hokinson and Leve flew tight defensive orbits but a diving pass by an enemy fighter ignited Lt Leve's P-38 and this went down in flames (Lt Leve was Killed in Action - KIA). Hokinson broke his turn and went after the Me109 concerned, firing until he believed it crashed. Another German fighter attacked him head-on and both aircraft hit each other in the exchange of fire. It was later confirmed that the Me109 crash-landed. For Hokinson's evasion, see his page at www.evasioncomete.be >>> Fiches >>> alphabetical list.
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-750593
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Pilot
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Missions
- Date: 16 December 1943
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Other Failed to Return (FTR) |
near Stiphout, Noord-Brabant Province, The Netherlands | 31 January 1944 | Shot down by Me109 fighter. Crashed near Stiphout Dutch-Belgian border. Pilot Leroy Hokinson bailed out and managed to evade with the help of Dutch and Belgian patriots. |