P-38 LIGHTNING LOSS NORMANDY?

[meeterhunter]

Hi, Please can someone straighten out the correct fate of P38 Lightning 42-28456 L2-T?
2nd Lt Frank Grdenich, pilot of the P-38 43-28456, took off from station 377 in Wattisham, Suffolk, UK on a mission over the Cognac Châteaubernard airfield. He collided in midair with the P-38 42-104427 piloted by Lt Kuentzel at 0920, 19/6/1944. This is one report. (note error; '43' when it should be 42)

One other report says the aircraft was supposed of been shot down Aubusson, near Falaise on the 19th June 1944?
Was this aircraft a 'J'?
Thanks Don

[Revi16]

This book indicates that Kuentzel passed out from lack of oxygen. (Page 40 of the book.)
https://books.google.com/books?id=rj...104427&f=false

When you ask about a "J", are you referring to Squadron letter "J" or P-38J?

[meeterhunter]

Originally Posted by Revi16

This book indicates that Kuentzel passed out from lack of oxygen. (Page 40 of the book.)
https://books.google.com/books?id=rj...104427&f=false

When you ask about a "J", are you referring to Squadron letter "J" or P-38J?

Hi, P-38J?
Thanks, Don

[Laurent Rizzotti]

This French site had the precise crash locations and details for both P-38 lost in this collision:
43-28456
http://francecrashes39-45.net/page_fiche_av.php?id=2130

42-104427
http://francecrashes39-45.net/page_fiche_av.php?id=2131

There are several links provided at the end of the first entry. The crash place had been searched and a memorial is in place since 2001.

By the way, both planes were P-38J-15 according to the site above.

[meeterhunter]

Hi Laurent, That's brilliant! Thank you sir, much appreciated.
Regards, Don

[meeterhunter]

Does anyone know where I can find a photo or profile of Lieutenant Frank Grdenich's P38 Lightning 42-28456 L2-T?

[Alex Smart]

Hello,
From Flag3 the MACR's
5959(Grdenich);5960(Kuentzel);5968(Horne);5969(McC lure).
5959 and 5960 both has cause as "unknown".
5968 and 5969 both have comment of "Mid-air collision".
Alex

[meeterhunter]

Thanks Alex