Seeking info. on P-47 pilot and group/squadron

[greiner]

Yesterday I learned a friend of mine's father flew the following (according to the son):

serial #288459

9th Air Force
10th Fighter Group
50th Fighter Squadron


"Oh Joy" was his first plane. He was able to bring it back to his field when it was damaged by enemy fire. He got a medal for that. "Oh Joy II" was his second plane.

I've been doing some digging and have found ZERO information regarding the serial number, group and squadron. Would appreciate any help! If I get some pictures, I will post!

Thank you!
John

[Revi16]

There may be some confusion with the serial number 288459.
288459 would be AAF s/n 42-88459, but that s/n did not exist.
There was a P-47N-5-RE 44-88459 though, but it most likely never left the USA. http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/s...459&Submit4=Go

Additional confusion with 9th Air Force, 10th Fighter Group, 50th Fighter Squadron.
Could possibly be, IX Fighter Command, 84th Fighter Wing, 50th Fighter Group, 10th Fighter Squadron, which flew P-47's.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IX_Fighter_Command

[greiner]

Revi, thank you! I too believe he was more likely with the 50th FG, 10th FS. I also received the following photos:
Obviously not great quality and the serial # on the 2nd photo is difficult at least to decipher. Thanks gain.....greatly appreciated!

[Revi16]

It looks like 42-76459, but that doesn't align with the 50th or 10th. Was the guys name Morford?

Republic P-47D-20-RE Thunderbolt
42-76459 (405th FG, 511th FS) in forced landing Jun 24, 1944 Cricqueville.

http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/s...459&Submit4=Go

[Peter Randall]

If so, Julian R Morford was apparently KIA on 14 August in 42-26327. Certainly, knowing his name would be a major step forward.
Peter

[greiner]

Hi guys.... His name was John W. Hall. Here is another photo sent to me by his son. I'm questioning this photo a bit, because it's obviously Olive Drab/Neutral Gray, but this is supposedly his first a/c after a landing accident. The first photo in my post above, with the name of "Oh Joy" looks natural metal to me....and these (to my understanding) are supposed to be the same a/c.
Again.....many thanks for the help and I look forward to hearing more opinions!

[Revi16]

I think you have pictures of three different aircraft. The last picture, aircraft coded T5*L is a 10th Fighter Squadron aircraft.

[KM1957]

I can not get the serial on T5-L in a resolution to see very well; if someone has a better "view", I may be able to track it down. Looks like 42-25??? to me, but don't want to assume anything. Same on the 42-76"459" ship. I have that serial as K4-V with the 511th Fighter Squadron as mentioned above. If someone can get a better look, it may help. I have quite an extensive listing for 9th AF aircraft, but the 50th Fighter Group is a tough one to find information on.

Kent

[greiner]

Thanks everyone! I sincerely appreciate the assistance! Yes Revi, I agree that the 3 pictures appear to be 3 different a/c. If I can get any further information, including locations, dates, etc. I'll definitely pass along, but for now, what I've posted is everything I have.

Regards to all...
John

[Peter Randall]

Lt. John W Hall, LaCrosse, WI, O-812414, 50th FG 10th FS.
Peter