Capt. George W. Tyson - US Army artillery spotter on USN ship

[Leendert]

I refer to attached clipping: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/5236...no-county-sun/

It concerns Capt. George W. Tyson (O-332030), DIVARTY 7th Inf Div, who with Ensign William J. Sayers, USNR, was killed in action over Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, on 1 Feb 1944 (memorial grave stone for latter has 2 Feb 1944).
They were operating from the heavy cruiser USS Minneapolis (CA-36) and likely flew in SOC-3A Seagull with BuNo 1067 of VCS-6, according the USN loss list on aviationarchaeology.com.

I wonder if the practice of having a US Army artillery spotter on USN ships was more of a one-off (like this instance) or did it happen on a more regular basis in the Pacific war area?

All info welcome, thanks.

Regards,
Leendert

[twocee]

According to the US Army History, Kwajalein Island was under artillery bombardment from an adjacent atoll. The SOC flew below the agreed safety level and was hit by one of the shells.

As Kwajalein Island was to be assaulted by the 7th (Army) Division it was no doubt normal practice for an Army observer to occupy the back seat of a spotter aircraft.

[Leendert]

Thanks, George, for quick reply. Will look for further examples.

Regards,
Leendert

[James A Pratt III]

The Battleship USS Nevada lost a spotter plane over Iwo Jima that I think had a USMC Captain on board as a spotter.

Being hit by friendly artillery shells was a hazzard in both world wars. I think the USAF lost a plane in Vietnam to this.

[Leendert]

Thanks. Meanwhile found more USAR and USMC artillery spotters in USN scout planes in partially online book "Slingshot Warbirds" (William Neufeld, 2003).

Regards,
Leendert