44-23171
P-38 Serial 44-23171 had no known nickname. Assigned to Headquarters 479th Fighter Group at Wattisham, it was the regular Lightning flown by Lt. Colonel Kyle L. Riddle, CO of the Group. It was lost on the 10 August 1944 mission to strafe the Meaux marshalling yards in France, with Lt Col. Kyle at the controls. Hit by Flak, the burning P-38 was crash-landed in a field and was almost totally destroyed by fire. Missing Air Crew Report - MACR 7621. The pilot managed to evade, helped by French patriots and underground fighters.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
- Unit Hierarchy: Headquarters
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 479th Fighter Group Headquarters (479th Fighter Group)
- Service Numbers: O-356174
- Highest Rank: Brigadier General
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot/Group Commander
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Missions
- Date: 10 August 1944
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Other Failed to Return (FTR) |
Bouresches, France | 10 August 1944 | Hit by Flak, Pilot Lt Col. Kyle managed to land his burning P-38 in a field, about 10km NW of Château-Thierry, France |