May 20,1944 Lt. Emery 31st FG MIA

[kaki3152]

In the case of Lt. Emery who was MIA on May 20,1944. the MAW 6 describes his fate as a crash at Lucera A/f. However, two other sources, "Mustang Ace" by Robert Goebel and "The 31st FG in WWII" have a different explanation. "Mustang Ace" reports that he left San Severo A/F at 0430 am after being at a party all night. "The History of the 31st FG" reports he was killed in Bucharest by AA while strafing.

The MACR 5755 has translated documents from Luftflotte 2 that indicate "one unknown dead". The final document, translated from German, notes: "According to Sea Rescue Leader 3 (?) one enemy craft was downed 20 May 1944 0930 near GAGGIO on the railroad track MESTRE-MONTFALCONE. Craft was 100% destroyed. Only the scorched head of the pilot was found. Name of pilot unknown."

It appears to me that reported cause of Lt Emery's crash at Lucera A/F was confused with the crash of Lt. Boatwright at Lucera on May 20, 1944

[Alex Smart]

Within the MACR, Pages 7 & 8 is reference to the ME report 1362.
Can this report give more info ?
Or maybe a KU report ?

[Luc Vervoort]

Hi,

See https://catalog.archives.gov/id/143473960

for ME-1362.

Best regards

Luc

[Sean Welch]

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/143474362

ME 1382 is the report for this incident

[Alex Smart]

Thanks Luc, the ME report doesn't seem to have any connection to Lt.Emery at all ?

However ME 1382 does seem to be a better match.But sadly doesn't tell us anything more than we already have.
Thanks Sean.

[Leendert]

Also see https://catalog.archives.gov/id/4744...ect-thumb--114 for timeframe on 20 May 1944.

Leendert

[kaki3152]

It appears that MAW6 is incorrect in its reason of loss. One for the Errata sheets?

[Russell]

Noted, Thanks

Russell

[kaki3152]

In 27 October 1990, my local airport (Santa Maria, CA) hosted the grand gathering of P-51s, with 51 P-51s present. While walking through the businesses, I ran into Jim Goebel, who was selling autographed copies of his book, "Mustang Ace: Memoirs of a P-51 Fighter Pilot". We naturally got into a conversation on the 15th AF, where I mentioned the case of Martin Monti, who flew a F-5 over to the enemy. Jim did not know about this case. In return, he told me the story of Lt. Emery. While we were talking he said "Hey, do you want another 31st Fighter Ace to sign your book?" I said "Sure!" He called over to Jim Brooks, who was strolling nearby and he came over and signed my book. Two for the price of one