View Single Post
  #3  
Old 2nd May 2010, 02:52
Frank Olynyk Frank Olynyk is offline
Alter Hase
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,406
Frank Olynyk is on a distinguished road
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.
__________________
Civilization is the most fragile ecology of all.
Reply With Quote