looking for survivors of Col Magruder's squadron
 

My name is Clay Parkhill Of Dallas, TX. My father, Lt Ralyn Parkhill was a Marine aviator in '44-'45. He began flying Corsairs and later flew Hellcats for Col Magruder in VMF (N) 533. I recently saw in my father's house a Distinguished Flying Cross. When I Asked him How he got the DFC, he shrugged it off as no big deal. I do not believe he would have this DFC under false pretenses, so I am seeking anyone who served with my Father or possibly Col. Magruder's son might have documents that would shed some light on this mystery.

Re: looking for survivors of Col Magruder's squadron
 

Clay,
Your father is credited with a Rufe (a float Zeke) on June 26, 1945, at 0205 hours, at 38 m, 38 deg from Pt. Bolo (Pt. Bolo was a navigation point on Okinawa, on the west side where the coast changes from almost north to almost east). Source: VMF(N)-533 WD and ACA 26. It is quite possible that this relates to the award of a DFC.

I have his name as Rayln C Parkhill; can you tell me what the "C" stands for? In addition, if he still has his flight log, I would be most interested in learning the BuNo of the F6F-5N he was flying on this night.

Hope this helps.

Frank.
Historian, American Fighter Aces Association.

Re: looking for survivors of Col Magruder's squadron
 

Frank,
The 'C' is for Clayton. Dad was from the Beaumont, TX area
I doubt that he has his flight log. He had a trunk of combat gear etc that sadly was lost in a fire. The only document I have seen is his discharge from the Marines. My stepmother found his DFC and Navy Air Medal and had them put in a shadow box or I would never have known he even had them. He is very modest.
I am surprised that a DFC would be awarded for a single kill. Was that common practice or could it be because it was at night?