42-68153

media-31663.jpeg UPL 31663 Oxy Blinker from Lt Charles C Heckel P-38 42-68153. Recovered and given to Ret. Col Charles C Heckel October 2013, 69 years after crash.

Chris Koenig

Object Number - UPL 31663 - Oxy Blinker from Lt Charles C Heckel P-38 42-68153. Recovered and given to Ret. Col Charles C Heckel October 2013, 69 years after crash.

Originally assigned to 20th FG 55th FS. Flown from April to Aug 44 until sent to 474th FG 428th FS. Last flown on Oct 13th, 1944 by 2nd Lt Charles C Heckel. 474th FG Mission 190. 474thFG, 368th FG and others engaged JG 2, 26, 51 and 77. Heckel and Col Henry Darling had mid-air collision. Both bailed successfully. Disposition Stalag Luft III, XIIID, VIIA, Liberation.

Connections

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Units served with

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 474th Fighter Group 428th Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-710113
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Fighter Pilot

Events

Event Location Date Description

Manufactured

Failed to Return (FTR)

Burbank, CA, USA 15 December 1943 - 13 October 1944 Lockheed Aircraft Contract # 422-2664

Assigned

King's Cliffe, Peterborough PE8, UK 1 April 1944 Assigned to 8th AF, 20thFG, 55th FS

Assigned

1 September 1944 Assigned to 9th AF, 474th FG, 428th FS

Revisions

Date
ContributorKornerstone
Changes
Sources

20th FG and 474th FG Records

Date
ContributorKornerstone
Changes
Sources

Lockheed Aircraft Production Number records

Date
ContributorKornerstone
Changes
Sources

I've got original mission reports and documentation if you will provide a way to email to you. Thanks, Phil Johnson, grandson of Charles C. Heckel

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

MACR 9541 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database

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