Lt. Col. Frederick G. Terry - KIA 24 Jun 1944 - Saipan

[Leendert]

Rolland,
Yes, I had come across the stories about his son in Vietnam.

Meanwhile found via Chroniclingamerica.loc.gov an article in the Evening Star of 30 Nov 1944 (p. A-2) that either solves or adds to the confusion about Lt Col Terry's death.
Part of text reads why he was awarded the Legion of Merit posthumously: "While observing the effect of artillery fire on Jap forces from an extremely hazardous position, Col. Terry was killed by hostile fire."

Here nothing about a collision with a 'friendly bomber'. Since no fatal casualties among USN, USMC or US Army light plane pilots or loss on Jun 24 of their planes on Saipan can be found so far, I'm starting to lean towards the Nov. 30 newspaper version.
On the other hand, the first published and at places repeated cause of death must have originated somewhere....

Regards,
Leendert

[Leendert]

NARA has an online S-2 Journal of the 145th Field Artillery Battalion (NAID 83554740, RG 38).

On 24 June 1944 1600h it says: "A friendly navy plane, type OY1, hit the wing of Liaison 3 plane. The navy plane returned but the cub crashed in enemy territory Square 189-KINS"

Still a mystery what Cub this may have been, as all/most other accounts of the Saipan campaign state that no Army L-4s (or similar) were lost...

However, if contrary, then this Cub must have had Lt Col Terry on board with a yet unknown (Army) pilot.

Another report, this time of the Provisional 225th FA Group, states on 24 June 1944 1600h: "At 1535 a Navy plane crashed in area 189 DINS. Believed to have hit the wing of a Liaison #3 plane. Please forward all available information relative to crash."

It continues at 1700h: "225th FA Bn plane reports that he saw XXIV Cops Arty plane No. 1 go down in Area 189 L at 1700."

All adding to the confusion which is which.

Regards,
Leendert