Re: USM F-6F-3(N) Night Fighters
Brian,
2ndLt Wilfred W Wilhide of VMF-311 was lost in F4U-1D 82286 on June 11, 1945 at Okinawa. His brother Robert M Wilhide of VMF(N)-533 was lost (disappeared) on May 17, 1945 (MIA) apparently (assumption) by American AA gunners at Okinawa, in F6F-5N 78303 (note correct aircraft designation and notation -- never a dash after the first F).
1stLt Maynard C Kelley of VMF(N)-533 died of wounds on May 24/25. He was not flying, but was the tower duty officer at Yontan A/F, Okinawa. From about 2225 hours five Japanese aircraft (several (all?) of which were Sallys) attempted to land on Yontan A/F with troops to attempt to destroy as many aircraft there as possible. Indescriminate rifle and machine gun firing from US ground troops (but *probably* not Japanese) apparently caused his death.
Details from Sherrod: History of MC Aviation in WW2.
Frank.
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