media-38675.jpeg UPL 38675 Enlisting 20 August 1942 in Detroit, MI, Lt. Vernon L. Caid flew with the 370th Fighter Squadron from 18 June 1944 through 27 November 1944 when he completed his combat tour with two aerial victories and one damaged. Lt. Caid flew 270 hours for 70 missions with the 359th Fighter Group.

21 Nov 1944: Pilots at 0830 attended briefing for all-type escort mission in vicinity of Merseburg. Two of 22 pilots returning early. Fighters too high to identify bombers. Heavy intense flak over target. South of target about 200 FW 190s were encountered and attacked. Six B-17s went down in area of combat, causes unknown. Only one chute was seen. Lt. Stegnerski, NYR, was last seen at time of combat 1215 hours. Claims, all FW 190s, air: 3 destroyed by Capt. Cox, 3 destroyed by Capt. Hodges, 2 destroyed by Lt. Smith, 2 destroyed by Lt. Staup, 2 destroyed by Lt. Caid, 1 destroyed by Maj. Mc Kee, 2 probably destroyed by Lt. Smith, 1 probably destroyed by Capt. Burgsteiner, 1 damaged by Capt. Hodges, 1 damaged by Lt. Caid, and 1 damaged by Lt. Lamont. Total: 13-3-3.

359th Fighter Group collection

Photo courtesy John McAlister.
Archived by Char Baldridge, Historian, 359th Fighter Group Association.
Posted by Janet Fogg, 359th Fighter Group Historian.