Wesley Edward Kangas
MilitaryPosted Missing in action in North Italy. 2nd Lt Wesley E Kangas, pilot, and his radar observer, 2nd Lt Jack C Herron, took off from Pontedera Air Base, Italy at 11:10 hours 22 April 1945 for an armed recce of the Po Valley covering the Parma, Piacenza and Mantua area. Lt Kangas and his observer were due back at base at approximately 13:00 hours. When they did not return, 62nd Fighter Wing was notified by 3-2, this headquarters. 62nd Fighter Wing in turn notified Rhubarb and Blue Sector. Rhubarb tried to call them but received no answer. Lt Kangas and his observer were last sighted on take off at 11:10 hours, 22 April 1945. No search was conducted by this unit. No reports received by this headquarters from other aircraft covering same area. Pilot and Obs KIA.
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Twelfth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 416th Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-870849
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Radar Observer
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: Mosquito
- Unit: 416th Fighter Squadron
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Born |
Bozeman, MT | 5 April 1922 | Son of E A Kangas. Twin brother of Sidney, brother of Robert. |
|
Enlisted |
Seattle, WA | 9 November 1942 | Seattle, Washington |
|
Died |
Vicinity of Piacenza, Italy | 22 April 1945 | |
|
Based |
Pontedera, Italy | 22 April 1945 | Assigned to 412NFS, 12AF USAAF. |
|
Buried |
Ocean View Cemetery Eureka, Humboldt County, CA | Re-Interred Ocean View Cemetery Eureka, Humboldt County, California |