Corsair loss 2 July 1945

[Skyraider3D]

As a sidenote...

The Genda's Blade book also shows a picture of FG-1D BuNo.88441 with extensive damage to its left wing, fuselage and tail. According to the caption this aircraft was the one flown by 2nd Lt. Alson C. Frazer in an encounter with the 343rd Ku on 22 June 1945.

However the loss list has this Corsair loss for 4 July 1945 under the name of 1st Lt Russel Hunchar and there is no loss for Frazer anywhere. Hunchar and Frazer did fly together on the 22 June mission, though.

Does anybody know what's the story here? My assumption is that Frazer's machine was officially scrapped on 4 July and Hunchar, being Frazer's superior, signed the discharge papers for it and is thus recorded as the pilot for this loss.


NB. Recorded VMF-113 losses for 22 June are:
FG-1D / 76559 / Ie Shima Empire / 2nd Lt. R.D. Allcroft
FG-1D / 87905 / Ie Shima Empire / 2nd Lt. F.B. Smith
Both these men were indeed shot down by the 343rd Ku that day.

[twocee]

88441 was damaged beyond repair in a landing accident on 4 July while being flown by 1Lt. Hunchar. I haven't seen the photo to which you refer and wonder whether it in fact shows the results of the accident?