Two probably destroyed aircraft in August 13, 1945
 

Hello,

Does anyone know the names of the 507th FG pilots that probably destroyed two Japanese aircraft in August 13, 1945. Also would it be possible to get info which squadron they were served and what type of aircraft were destroyed by them?

Any info is highly appreciated

kind regards,

Zdenek

Re: Two probably destroyed aircraft in August 13, 1945
 

Hi Zdenek.............these are the claims for 13 August; the mission was to the Seoul area ( occupied Korea). Perdomo's 5 were a Willow and 4 Franks. There are 19 here in total.
Nick
http://www.cieldegloire.com/fg_507.php

Re: Two probably destroyed aircraft in August 13, 1945
 

Zdenek,

According to John Stanaway in Mustang and Thunderbolt Aces of the Pacific and CBI (Osprey, 1999), pp 85-87, credits were 20 destroyed, 2 probably destroyed and a Betty destroyed on the ground.

Of the 20 destroyed in the air, all but two were fighters: one Betty claimed by Captain Ed Hoyt, 465th FS (his fifth kill), and a Willow biplane trainer claimed by Lt Oscar Perdomo, 464th FS (he also claimed four Oscars in this action).

The probable claims were most likely made for Ki-43 Oscars. However the 507th FG had engaged the 22nd and 85th Sentais, both equipped with Ki-84 Franks. These units apparently lost 11 a/c between them.

Hope this helps.

Bruce

Re: Two probably destroyed aircraft in August 13, 1945
 

507th FG appear to have been credited with 18 aerial victories for the 13/8/45, so perhaps initial claims were for 20 destroyed, before being reduced to 18 and 2 probables.

USAF Historical Study No. 85: USAF Credits for the Destruction of Enemy Aircraft, World War II; Office of Air Force History, Headquarters USAF; p. 517

Re: Two probably destroyed aircraft in August 13, 1945
 

Bruce

Frank Olynyk gives full 20/0/0 in his summary that day.
I don't know when your study was made, but his was published in Oct 1985.

Which two are now listed as probables?

Cheers
Stig

Re: Two probably destroyed aircraft in August 13, 1945
 

Stig,

The USAF study mentioned above was published in 1978. There is no listing of probable victories.

Bruce

Re: Two probably destroyed aircraft in August 13, 1945
 

OK Bruce, I understand

Since I have great faith in Frank's research, I will stick to his listings until he says differently. :)

But if your USAF Historical Study does not mention any probables, from where does your own stated 18/2/0 details come from? And where does the two probables come from in Stanaway's book from 1999?

Cheers
Stig

Re: Two probably destroyed aircraft in August 13, 1945
 

Stig,

Really can't say what sources Stanaway referred to. The 18/2 is just based on the other sources.

Bruce

Re: Two probably destroyed aircraft in August 13, 1945
 

OK :)

Cheers
Stig

Re: Two probably destroyed aircraft in August 13, 1945
 

USAF Study 85, and its later combined all wars version, show 18 victories on August 13, 1945 for the 463rd, 464th, 465th Fighter Sqns, and the 507th FG. My file shows two additional victories on this date, that the above studies list on August 14, 1945. These are for a shared victory by 2nd Lt Reginald N Wilkinson and Col Loring F Stetson Jr; and the second by 2nd Lt Joe L Fitzgerald. Both of these claims I show as at Keijo, Korea. The victories of the 463rd FS on August 14, 1945 were claimed in the Kyoto-Biwa Ko area, in Japan.

My copies of the combat reports are on microfilm, and too much trouble to dig up. On my next visit to NARA II I plan on pulling the records of the 507th FG and copying them digitally, to double check.

And thanks to Stig for his confidence in my research!

Enjoy!

Frank.

Re: Two probably destroyed aircraft in August 13, 1945
 

While it doesn't resolve the conflicting tallies for the 13/8/45, the 507th were credited with four e/a probably destroyed during the course of their operations (dates unknown).

http://www.413thfightergroup.com./im...ry_Credits.pdf

See p.3, fourth column from left.