Re: USAAF questions
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In reply to:
Re: USAAF questions
phcollector 1/18/03
Phil
Yes I contacted the air force history support group and they have no listing of the "accident" on 5 July 1942. I have also contacted the 55th fighter group and they know nothing about the 54th that went to Alaska.
I also contacted the UA library of alaska as the 11th had a reunion in 1990 and copied files to the library. They will not search as they were copies and haven't permission. They suggested I contact the Albert F. Simpson historical research center at maxwell air force base in alabama for copies of the microfilm. But could not get me an address.
Would the 343rd group know what happened to the 54th since it was not formed until Sept 1942 and the time period I need is 5 July 1942?
Appreciate this note. Let me know if you have any suggestions.
I also put a message in The USAAF 1941-1945 WWII web forum.
Got an answer from Steve Burris: he said in the book "Aleutian Warriors" by john h. Cloe he found Billy listed in a footnote of casualties for the 54th fighter squadron on page 336 ....Ther is nine other squadron members listed as having died that day..... then on page 150: "The squadron suffered its first majir casualties when a C-53 crashed north of Cold Bay while enroute to Cape Fiedl. Four pilots and six enlisted men, who were passengers, died. Their bodies washed ashore and their squadron mates buried them in the high ground above the shoreline....."
How can you explain that the air force does not have a record of this?
The fighting 54th evidentally changed their motto and insignia. Used to be lepoard with boxing gloves now lepoard leaping, they also changed their motto.
If you can think of anything else let me know.