42-7984 On The Ball

P-47D-2-RE 42-7984 [OS:Q] "On The Ball" was assigned to the 355FG/357FS at Steeple Morden, UK. On 7-Nov-43 the aircraft, piloted by 1LT Edwin O Carlson, was despatched with others from 355FG to escort B-26 bombers attacking German airfields at Montdidier and Meulan, France. On the return his flight encountered thick clouds over France and he and another P-47 in his flight, P-47 42-8370 sustained a mid-air collision in the clouds. MACR 1280



NOTE. Roger A. Freeman's "The Mighty Eighth War Diary" had the 355FG as being part of the fighter escort of VIII FC FO-172. However, analysis of the MACRs associated with 355FG losses indicate that the 355FG actually participated in VIII FC FO-173 (flown on the same date) which was escorting B-26s of 9th Air Forces attacking German airfields at Montdidier and Meulan, France. - Lee Cunningham.

Connections

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

Units served with

People

Edwin O Carlson

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 355th Fighter Group 357th Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-671449
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Places

Missions

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

North Sea 7 November 1943 Sustained a mid-air collision with P-47D 42-8370 in a cloud near Montdidier, France upon returning from a mission to escort B-26s of 9th Air Force.

Revisions

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 10-Jul-2015. All corrections based on research of MACRS associated with 355FG losses for this date. See NOTE in description.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 9-Jul-2015. Added markings, nickname and description based on "Losses of the 8th & 9th Air Forces", Stan Bishop & John A. Hey MBE. Added FTR event per MACR 1280.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

MACR 1280 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database