[pdame141]

Thanks, Seaplanes! There were apparently a number of journalists on FDR for Operation Mainbrace, because I have a copy of a very similar report published in the Tulsa, Oklahoma newspaper. This makes sense, as my understanding is that Operation Mainbrace was intended by NATO to show the USSR that NATO could defend the northern maritime approaches to Europe.

I also have the letters the CO of VF-171 and the FDR's Captain sent to my great grandparents regarding the incident.

The story is very consistent -- he was landing, the deck pitched unexpectedly in heavy seas, he was given a waveoff, he powered up and began to turn away from the ship, but his wingtip caught the crash barrier forward along the deck. The impact cartwheeled his plane into the sea and he didn't make it out of the plane.

He was indeed a decorated WWII pilot. Two tours in Europe flying P-47s with the 368th FG/397th FS, over 100 missions/300hrs combat flying, two DFCs, etc.

Thanks again for your reply.

Best regards,
Paul Dame