[cheesey]

Hello all.

Could anyone provide any additional info on the following loss ?

1st Lt. John W. Oyler O-793016
380 FS/363 FG
P-51B-5 43-6703
MACR 6679

Lt. Oyler was lost on the 4th July, 1944 whilst flying over the Cherbourg Peninsula. He was last seen in the vicinity of Coutances attacking gun positions. At some point he reported being hit by light flak and was told to return to beachhead. According to the MACR he wasn't seen again. The report contains no info as to his fate.

There is a German report noting a possible match - 4 Jul 44, 1835 Mustang 6km NW GOUVILLE into sea J1790, J1789.

Gouville-sur-mer is just north-west of Coutances on the western edge of the peninsula very near to the sea. There were several 363rd FG losses on that day and Lt. Oyler doesn't seem to be listed on the American Battle Monuments Commission website. Was he lost on that day or did he survive ?

Any info would be greatly appreciated, Steve.