Gilbert O Wymond

Military
media-25523.jpeg UPL 25523 LTC Gilbert O. Wymond
Fighter Pilot - Squadron Commander
57th Fighter Group - 65th Fighter Squadron

Object Number - UPL 25523 - LTC Gilbert O. Wymond Fighter Pilot - Squadron Commander 57th Fighter Group - 65th Fighter Squadron

Gil Wymond was born on September 23, 1919, in Louisville, Kentucky. After attending the University of Kentucky for two years, he enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program of the U.S. Army Air Corps on April 25, 1941, and was commissioned a 2d Lt and awarded his pilot wings at Kelly Field, Texas, on December 12, 1941.



His first assignment was as a P-40 Warhawk pilot with the 65th Fighter Squadron of the 57th Fighter Group at Bradley Field, Trumbull Field, and Rentschler Field, Connecticut, from December 1941 to July 1942. He then deployed with his squadron aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CV-4) and took off from the carrier on July 19, 1942, landing at Accra in the Gold Coast before moving to Cairo, Egypt in August 1942.



Between August 1942 and May 1945, Lt Col Wymond moved with his squadron through Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Malta, Sicily, and Italy, and he transitioned from the P-40 to the P-47 Thunderbolt during this time.



In addition, he flew 153 combat missions, was credited with the destruction of 3 enemy aircraft in aerial combat plus 2 probables, and served as Commanding Officer of the 65th Fighter Squadron from May 1943 to May 1945, with short periods on leave in the United States from July to September 1943, and May to June 1944.



After the war he completed jet transition training in the F-80 Shooting Star and attended Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. Lt Col Wymond took command of the 55th Fighter Squadron at Shaw AFB, South Carolina, in April 1949, and was killed in the crash of his F-84 Thunderjet on May 11, 1949.

Connections

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Units served with

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: P-47 Thunderbolt
  • Nicknames: Hun Hunter XIV
  • Unit: 57th Fighter Group 65th Fighter Squadron

Events

Event Location Date Description

Born

Louisville, KY, USA 23 September 1919

Enlisted

Fort Thomas, KY, USA 25 April 1941

Other

Flew off the USS Ranger

off the coast of Accra, Ghana 19 July 1942

Other

2 Aerial Victories

near El Dabaa, Qesm Ad Dabaah, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt 27 October 1942

Other

1 Aerial Victory

13 January 1943

Other

Action that received a Silver Star award

58100 Montepescali, Province of Grosseto, Italy 2 May 1944 For gallantry in action as pilot of a P-47 aircraft. On 2 May, 1944, upon return flight from a successful upon vital enemy communication lines at Rignano, Italy, Lieutenant Colonel Wymond observed activity in a concentration of factory buildings near Montevescala. Immediately leaving his formation, Lieutenant Colonel Wymond dived to minimum altitude in attack and as his accurate fire struck the objective, a tremendous explosion resulted destroying a factory containing large quantities of enemy ammunition. The explosion heavily damaged his aircraft and hurled it more that fifteen hundred feet in the air. Displaying superior flying skill, Lieutenant Colonel Wymond regained control of his shattered plane and returned safely to base. His courage, selfless devotion to duty and outstanding proficiency as a combat pilot reflect great credit upon himself and the Military Service of the United States

Died

Southern Pines, NC, USA 11 May 1949 Killed in the crash of F-84B 46-634

Buried

Louisville, KY, USA 18 May 1949 Cave Hill Cemetery Louisville Jefferson County Kentucky, USA

Other

Attended College

Lexington, KY, USA University of Kentucky

Other

Commander - 65th Fighter Squadron

Grosseto Airport, Via Orcagna 125, 58100 Grosseto GR, Italy

Revisions

Date
Contributordecwriter
Changes
Sources

NARA files verified SS, DFC, PH and AM w/9 OLCs. His officer number is listed as 0-431577 on the DFC, PH and AM files. The SS Card listed 0-431591, which is more than likely a typo.

Date
Contributorfugari
Changes
Sources

JCook Photo Collection & Archives

Gilbert O Wymond: Gallery (4 items)