1st Lt Smith 406 FG

[Alain57]

1st Lt Smith John I. 0-711866 406FG-514FS was killed on december 30th 1944 .Wich P-47 was he flying that day , could it been 42-28440 ?

[Alex Smart]

Hello Alain,

From what I understand only two pilots were killed in action on the 30th Dec 44 from the 406th FG.
But as I do not have the MACR's that you note then I cannot be more positive.

Alex

[Horst Weber]

Good afternoon Alain and Alex !

The losses of 406th FG on this day were as follows:

- 2nd Lt. Vincent R. Pittala, 514th FS was hit about 14:05 hrs by flak and was seen crashing at P 412604. His aircraft had the AAF-s/n 44-19747, according to MACR # 11498. The pilot was KIA in the action.

- 2nd Lt. John J. Smith, 514th FS was also hit at about 14:05 hrs by flak and was seen crashing at P 436622 with 1 x 150 FB and exploded in flames. His aircraft had the AAF-s/n 42-28898, according to MACR # 11499. The pilot was also KIA in this action.

- FO William T. Norris, 512th FS was hit about 15:12 hrs by flak and was last seen in overcast at P 395620. He came down in German occupied terrtory, obviously in the German held part of the "Bulge", since his capture was reported in LGK-report # J 250 A as "Belgium" and the markings of his P-47 must have been clearly visible for the Germans, since they attach to this report the a/c markings L3-A. His aircraft had the AAF-s/n 42-28440.

All this information are from the MACR and from 406th FG "OPREP A, No. D30B (2nd of 2 missions) for 24 hours ending sunset 30 December 1944. Mission no. 319 Ninth Fighter Command, Operationons Order No. JOL-1"

There is one tricky thing in the OPREP, indeed. Paragraph F. (IV) reports under a.
"1 crashed with Lt. Smith's a/c". What ever tis means.
Anyway, by my opinion are the pilots and their aircraft clear determined by the corresponding MACR.

Hope, this helps.

All the best,

Horst Weber

[Alain57]

Hello Horst ,

Thanks for the information.

Alain