42-66719

P-38H-1-LO 42-66719 was assigned to the 55FG/38FS at Nuthampstead, UK. On 18-Oct-43 the aircraft, piloted by 2LT Hugh E. Gillette, was deaptched with 32 others on a mission to escort bombers headed for Duren, Germany. Weather conditions made it impossible for the fighters to rendevous with the bomber stream and both the fighters and the bombers were recalled. It is believed that the aircraft sustained some sort of mechanical failure and 2LT Gillette radioed his flight leader that he was turning back. Last communication from 2LT Gillette said that he was abandoning the aircraft approximately 50 east of Clacton, UK. Air-Sea Rescue arrived at his reported position within eight minutes but neither he nor his aircraft were ever found. 1KIA MACR 1040.

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

Units served with

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 55th Fighter Group 38th Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-740169
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Places

Missions

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR) Over Water (OW)

English Channel 18 October 1943 Believed to have sustained some mechanical failure and was seen to turn back. Aircraft abandoned over the sea 50 miles east of Clacton.

Revisions

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 7-Jul-2015. Correcting MACR citation in Description to MACR 1040.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 7-Jul-2015. Added Markings and crafted Description based on "Losses of the 8th & 9th Air Forces", Stan Bishop & John A. Hey MBE. Added note to FTR event per MACR 4927.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

MACR 1040 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database