Io Gruppo ANR in combat with 1st and 82nd FG on 28/03/44
 

Hello everybody,

On 28 March 1944, the Io Gruppo ANR clashed with P-38s from 1st and 82nd FG. Three P-38s were lost when Lieutenant James Rodolff and Lieutenant Kenneth Hartwig of 1st FG and 2nd Lieutenant David V. Weber (KIA) were shot down.
I have the following MACRs from 1st FG - 42-67035/MACR3580 and 42-67067/MACR3642. Is there anyone who can verify which aircraft that was flown by which pilot?
Also was these two pilots taken PoW? Italian sources claims that one of them was a 20-years-old Canadian Lieutenant, who was taken prisoner by the Germans.

Regarding Weber, is there anyone who can verify aircraft/MACR of him (42-67093/MACR3509?)?

See http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/italy_veronesi.htm for some more info (I’m in the process of updating this combat)

Best wishes/Håkan

Re: Io Gruppo ANR in combat with 1st and 82nd FG on 28/03/44
 

Hakan,

No direct verification myself, but perhaps this website is useful for the 1st FG losses: http://www.mts.net/~royb/1stfghonor_roll.html

Please note both Rodolff and Hartwig were POW, not KIA (see POW section on http://aad.archives.gov/aad/series-list.jsp?cat=WR26)

P-38 42-67093 is also linked with 1st Lt Dalphon C. Kenney instead, lost on 28-3-1944, north of Rijeka. He was with 154th TRG and returned.

As for Lt David Weber, 82nd FG website says he was killed in a flying accident on 28.3.44, non-combat related...

Regards,

Leendert

Re: Io Gruppo ANR in combat with 1st and 82nd FG on 28/03/44
 

Hello Lendert,

Thanks for your quick reply and nice input.
I've already received an answer from Ferdinando D'Amico on another forum that confirms your on Weber:
"Adorimini" - History of the 82nd FG on page 146)...

"... There was one loss on the March 28 mission: Lt. David Weber of the 97th Sq. After losing an engine, Weber was escorted by Lt. Larkin's flight down the coast to the Trigo landing ground. He attempted to land there, but a B-17 was on the runway and he was forced to go around. As he was circling, his P-38 crashed into the sea and it sank within seconds. Surprisingly, Lt. Weber was soon spotted on the surface in his inflated Mae West. After considerable difficulty and delay, a rescue boat finally managed to pull him from the turbulent water- However, Weber could not be revived. He was the only 82nd pilot killed during March 1944."

Also thanks for the links, that were new to me and very helpful.
Now remains the question if any of Rodollf or Haretwig were Canadians.

Best wishes/Håkan