42-67061
IWM, Roger Freeman Collection
Object Number - FRE 2402 - A P-38 Lightning (serial number 42-67061) of the 20th Fighter Group prepares for take off. Handwritten caption on reverse: '42-670(6(<-?))1.'
P-38H-5-LO 42-67061 was assigned to the 55FS/343FS at Nuthampstead, UK. On 25-Nov-43, the aircraft, piloted by 2LT Manuel J. Aldecoa was despatched with other P-38s of the 55FG to provide top cover for the first P-47 fighter/bomber operation of the war. The aircraft is beleived to have sustained a mid-air collision with an Fw-190 over Cuinchy, France. 2LT Aldecoa managed to bale out of the smashed aircraft but his parachute had sustained too much damage to be effective and he was killed. The aircraft crashed near Cuinchy, France. 1KIA MACR 1274.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 55th Fighter Group 343rd Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: 19015392 / O-743392
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Missions
- Date: 25 November 1943
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Other Failed to Return (FTR) |
Cuinchy, France | 25 November 1943 | Sustained a mid-air collision with Fw-190. Pilot baled out but parachute was damaged and he was killed. Aircraft crashed near Cuinchy, France |
Revisions
Lee Cunningham 15-Jul-2015. Made connections to Place and Mission within existing website data; Added FTR event per MACR 1274; Added Description based on "Losses of the 8th & 9th Air Foces:, Stan Bishop & John A. Hey MBE.
MACR 1274 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database
