F/O. Manuel Santiago Martinez 78th FG USAAF

[esc201faem]

trying to locate information on this pilot, who was with the 82nd FS/78FG, how long did he served in the 78th, also issue about his claims one source gives him 4 aerial victories +1 ground kill, while I been able to find only three combat reports. (30 December 1943, 4 Jan 1944 29 Jan 1944) missing 27 Sept 1943 combat report.

Any help most welcomed

[KM1957]

I show he joined the 82nd FS in May of 1943 and completed his tour in May of 1944. He was credited by the Eighth Air Force Victory Credit Board with 4 destroyed and 1 damaged in the air, nothing for any aircraft destroyed or damaged on the ground. He later served in the China-Burma-India Theater with the 1st Air Commando Group.

Kent

[esc201faem]

Good Morning'

Thank you for the information, what sources do you know I can use to find out more about this pilots.

Also seem some confusion about the ME-110 damaged, in Aces of the 78th Fighter Group by Thomas McKelvey Cleaver on page.47 claims that Martinez got a ME-110 on the ground in Belgium.

Cheers

[KM1957]

I have his claims taken from the Victory Credit Board reports and saw nothing about a ground kill. Martinez has not shown up on any Eighth Air Force air-ground aces lists that I have ever seen. Perhaps the author can be contacted to see where he got the ground claim. His dates of service came from squadron and group records available for free from the Air Force Historical Research Agency at Maxwell Field, Alabama.

Kent

[KM1957]

A slight correction to Martinez and his dates of service. He joined the 82nd FS on April 21, 1943 and was transferred on May 19, 1944. This is from Garry Fry's "Eagles of Duxford".

Kent

[esc201faem]

Thank you Kent

I will look into it

[Tom Semenza]

Frank Olynyk's ETO claims list credits Martinez with 4/0/1 as follows:

27 Sep 43 1015-1025 Me-109 rank F.O. P-47 7954 MX-L
30 Dec 43 1345 Me-109 2/Lt. P-47 8619 MX-M-
04 Jan 44 11:00 Me-109 1/Lt. P-47 MX-M-
04 Jan 44 11:00 Me 110 dam
29 Jan 44 11:05 FW 190

Regards,
Tom

[esc201faem]

Thank you
Tom

[esc201faem]

Hello
Thanks for the above information
Does anybody have any background information about him, like his service in the CBI.
Any info will be helpfull

Santiago

[alieneyes1]

https://www.newspapers.com/article/t...l-s/142484940/