USN SOC-3 and FM-2 collision - Okinawa - 9 April 1945

[Leendert]

On 9 april 1945 a SOC-3 Seagull (BuNo 1125, attached to USS Tuscaloosa, CA-37) reportedly collided with a FM-2 Wildcat of VC-94 (BuNo 73849) operating from the USS Shamrock Bay (CVE-84) over Okinawa.

Seagull was flown by Lt. Walter P. Lathrop. War Diary of the USS Tuscaloosa says on 9 April 1945 she lost contact with her SOC but another spotter plane had seen two parachutes "behind enemy lines". On 10 April 1945 however a message was received from shore that pilot and radioman were within American lines. Lathrop apparently DOW on 20 May 1945 after all (according naval-history.net), but findagrave retains 9 April 1945.

Wildcat pilot was LCDR James Franklin Patterson who (also) got killed in the collision.

Looking for name (and fate?) of the Radioman and burial place of LCDR Patterson.

Thanks for info.
Leendert

[twocee]

It is difficult to say precisely what happened here. The SOC was flying at 2500' under an overcast when it was struck by some object that caused it to crash. According to the only witnesses, a shore fire control party, the SOC was involved in a mid-air collision, and as Shamrock Bay lost an FM-2 in the same area, it is possible that this was the other party. However, the SOC's accident report gives the cause as either an MAC or a mortar shell. The cause of 73849's loss is shown as anti-aircraft fire.

Lathrop's rsm, who survived the crash, was ARM2c V(?).M. Duraway. He recalled only hearing a loud tearing noise and being doused in fuel. The SOC came down in enemy territory and was destroyed by friendly gunfire.

[Leendert]

Thanks for further info. Browsing thru the various war diaries of SOC or OS2U carrying USN cruisers and battleships reveals either details about an airplane loss or (frustatingly...) nothing at all. Latter may be because of an administrative write-off instead of a combat or operational loss.

Regards,
Leendert