Mustang in Kiev-Gostomel

[WojciechZ]

Hello,

recently I heard from a veteran of Polish unit which stationed in 1944 in Soviet Union (member of so called "People's Polish Army") a story about Mustang aircraft which due to some technical issues had to land and spend some time in Gostomel airfield, close to Kiev in Ukraine (then - Soviet Union). The veteran stationed there between June-August 1944.

The Mustang must have taken part in operation "Frantic". I am very curious if it is possible to trace the pilot of the machine, the unit to which it belonged and exact date and reason for landing in Gostomel?

Any suggestions and hints are welcome...

Wojtek

[Alex Smart]

Hello,
The answer to your question may well be in the link below.

http://www.mustangsmustangs.us/theha...o5&topic=364.0

Alex

[Alex Smart]

Or here

http://forum.armyairforces.com/Lotti...e-m162681.aspx

Alex

[researcher111]

The detail u asked 4 is listed on two books " Fighting with the Soviets " and "The Poltawa Disaster " both covering the Frantic Joe and Frantic missions . When and if I will have the time , I'll look up for you

[WojciechZ]

Thank you very much. I am looking forward for the book check.

Regarding force landings in Russia, it might not be the case, as - according to the story - it was not the permanent loss of aircraft, but rather temporary stay on another airfield, not so far away.

[WojciechZ]

Coming back to the old thread. As the only matching Mustang seems to be:
21st June 1944 & 1Lt. Ralph K. Hofer, who landed "near Kiev" and later came back to allied territory, I would like to ask the following questions:
1. Is the exact code/serial known of the aircraft he used during this mission?
2. Is there any report known (for instance, for intelligence purposes) about how he was treated during his short stay in Soviet Union?

[Frank Olynyk]

The only full biography of Hofer that I know of is Kidd Hofer -- Last of the Screwball Aces, by Troy White. It may have what you want. Troy's website is http://www.starduststudios.com/kidd-...ball-aces.html

He is now located in Australia, and suggests that people in Europe contact him for the price with shipping.

Enjoy!

Frank.

[udf_00]

Probably the one he was lost with :

http://www.aircrewremembered.com/hofer-ralph.html

[Col Bruggy]

Originally Posted by udf_00

Probably the one he was lost with :

http://www.aircrewremembered.com/hofer-ralph.html

21 June 1944: F.O. 407.
Ramrod Shuttle to Ruhland, Germany, and Leszno, Poland - 0755 to 1450 hours.

"Salem Representative", was being flown by Preston B. Hardy (334th FS), on 21 June, 1944. Hofer having been sent packing to another squadron of the 4th FG.

Hofer was initially listed MIA until word filtered in later that he had landed at Kiev.

See:
Escort to Berlin:The 4th Fighter Group in World War II.
Fry,Garry L & Jeffery L Ethell.
New York:Arco Publishing,1980.
p.62.

Accurate? (source, now dated).

Col.

[Ted51abcdk]

Gentlemen:
I show that James W Russell Jr (0-694186) was the pilot in question on 21 June 1944. He force landed that day. The aircraft in question was most likely 44-13399, WD-O. The previous WD-O, 42-106464, was lost on 27 May 1944. Hope that this helps a bit. Ted51