|
Re: 4th FG (21 June - 6 July 1944)
Hello,
Frantic II
4th FG 8 AAF took part in this operation along with the 486th FS of the 352nd FG 8 AAF.
The 486th FS sent 18 a/c and pilots. The 4th FG supplied the rest (52) bringing the total to 70 a/c. Six were reserves , three were to return to the UK if not required.
21st June 1944 - MACR 6800
1Lt. Frank T. Sibbett - KIA 335th FS "WD-X" 43-6784.
1Lt. Ralph K. Hofer put down in Soviet territory near Kiev.
26th June 1944 - some 55 P51's flew to Italy, 2 were left DBR in Russia. Other pilots whse a/c were unserviceable flew to Italy over the next few days.
On the 2nd July 1944 the 4th flew in support of 15th AAF bombers and near Budapest met with large number of EA, six P51's failed to return and two other pilots were WIA. the 4th pilots were Hofer (43-6746 - KIA -MACR 6801) lost this time downed in Yugoslavia, Capt. George I. Stanford jr (44-13402 - POW -MACR 6799), 1Lt. Thomas S. Sharp (42-106650 - KIA - MACR 6798), 2Lt. J. C. Norris (43-6550 - POW - MACR 6801). 486th FS losses were 1Lt. Lester L. Howell (42-106857 MACR 6697/8828) and Maj. Stephen W. Andrew (42-106467 - POW - MACR6698/8527).
A second mission by 8th AAF bombers was flown from Italy before the Unit flew back to the UK on the 5th July 1944.
Of the 67 or so P-51's, 7 from the 4th FG were lost in action and 2 were left in Russia. 3 aborted and returned to their Russian Base 55 arrived in Italy. Six were to remain in Italy. One 486th FS (43-6704) in N. Africa.
Alex
|