[wduerschmidt]

Thanks for the reply. I have no information on the serial number of the P-38L he flew while on Saipan, however I do have a photo of him in front of a lightning on Saipan, but no number is visible. I am guessing that photo was taken shortly after his first victory near Iwo Jima. The same for the P-47N he flew from Ie Shima. I have the same serial number for that plane as you have below, but do not know if he was actually flying it that day. He flew a P-47D while on Saipan also, before the P-38's arrived. Its serial number was 43-25432. His full name was Wayne Alden Duerschmidt, s/n 0 807 269. There are several photos of him on the 318th website if you are interested. The website was set up by the son of a 333rd veteran and has much useful information. The book, "The Pineapple Airforce" is a very good read on events of those days. My favorite anecdote was about the famous "cow" incident on Saipan. According to the sons father, who knew my Dad, Wayne was the "trigger man" for that cow incident. Hope this helps. Later.