Frederic A Borsodi

[E Sims]

Maj Frederic A Borsodi USAAF (A000420960). Killed in an accident demonstrating the YP-80 at RAF Burtonwood, 28 Jan 1945. This accident apparently derailed the entry of the P-80 into combat in the ETO. Borsodi, prior to going to the YP-80 program had been chief of fighter evaluation at Wright Field and, before that, was CO of 86FS/79FG in the MTO.

Have seen documentation of a gent of the same name, while an Ensign AV(N) USNR, being designated a naval aviator in June 1940.

Could these gents be one in the same w/Borsodi transferring from USNR to USAAF sometime between 1940 and 1942? An unusual occurrence, certainly, but not totally unknown.

Can anyone shed some light?

Thanks,

E Sims

[Leendert]

Yes he is. There's a reference to the very same P-80 test pilot Frederic Austin Borsodi learning to fly with the US Navy at Pensacola, FL in book "A Hostile Sky: The Med Airwar of the 79th FG" (online Google Books).
He was "cashiered out when he married during flight training".

Also story about him in AAHS Journal, Vol. 41, 1996.

Regards,

Leendert

[E Sims]

Thank you!

E Sims