Crashes and Accidents: WWII 1941 B
July-December 1941
Dedicated to Eagles who caressed our skies.
May we NEVER forget!
I am in the process of documenting every airplane crash and accident that occurred at Mitchel Field/Mitchel AFB.
Researching and cross-referencing crash records and documents is a time consuming and tedious process.
I hope to include details and photos.
Please be patient and check back often for updates.
Air crashes, mechanical failure and landing and takeoff accidents are regular events on an active airfield, especially during WWII. Airmen from Mitchel Field were constantly flying East Coast defensive fighter patrols and anti-submarine patrols, along with training and overseas transient flights. Accidents were bound to happen with all the increased wartime activity.
A new book in 2006 by researcher Anthony J. Mireles, and research by Marlyn R. Pierce in 2013 indicated that:
"Throughout the war, (1940 through 1945), the U.S. Army Air Corps/Army Air Forces suffered over 54,000 accidents, including 6,351 fatal accidents in the continental United States, resulting in the loss of 7,114 airplanes and the death of 15,530 personnel. This was an average of ten deaths and nearly 40 accidents, fatal and non-fatal, a day. The Army Air Forces reached its peak for both training and accidents in 1943. That year the Army Air Forces suffered 2,268 fatal accidents that resulted in over 5,600 fatalities and over 2,500 aircraft damaged or destroyed. The situation was better in 1944 with a 14 percent drop in accidents compared with 1943. However, there were still nearly 2,000 fatal accidents and the death of 5,000 pilots and crew."
Overall, most of the fatal accidents (2,101) occurred in primary, basic, and advanced trainers, while 2,796 aviators died in the 490 fatal B-24 accidents, followed by 1,757 who died in 284 B-17 crashes.
Of the fighter plane accidents, 455 pilots died in 404 crashes involving P-47 Thunderbolts, while 369 and 337 lost their lives in P-39 and P-38 accidents, respectively.
The U.S. Eighth Air Force in Europe suffered more than 26,000 men killed due to enemy action, mechanical problems, and accidents during the war. But training, as we have seen, was just as hazardous, with more than 15,500 losing their lives in service to their country before they were ever able to face the enemy. These accidents accounted for over 15,000 fatalities, the equivalent of a World War Two infantry division.
Unfortunately, their sacrifices were seldom noted. At a few places around the country, a simple plaque or marker or monument lists the names of those who died but, because they did not die due to enemy action, they were not eligible to receive the Purple Heart medal, posthumously. For the most part, their sacrifices are forgotten by the nation they had sworn to serve and protect.
The following web pages document my research and compilation of every crash or accident that occurred at Mitchel Field from 1917-1961. Pre-war and Post-war are subdivided by decade or half decade periods, while the war years have been divided year by year.
All fatal crashes have been noted in RED TYPE.
Where available I have included details, photos, and news clippings, as well as the further dispositions of the aircraft involved.
Thank You! Paul Martin: Webmaster
References
Anthony J. Mireles, Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States, 1941-1945
(Jefferson NC: McFarland, 2006)
MARLYN R. PIERCE, EARNING THEIR WINGS: ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY AIR FORCE DURING FLIGHT TRAINING WORLD WAR TWO by MARLYN R. PIERCE B.A. University of Houston, 1983 M.A. University of Louisville, 1994 MMAS, US Army Command and General Staff College, 1998 A DISSERTATION submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Department of History College of Arts and Sciences
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY Manhattan, Kansas 2013
July-December 1941
1941 Crashes and accidents. Most involve MF based aircraft and pilots crashing at or in the vicinity of MF. Some involve other Airfield based pilots crashing at or on their way to Mitchel Field. Still others involve MF based pilots and aircraft crashing en-route to, or at, other Airfields. Home base indicated first, crash location indicated second.
1941: 98 Crashes and accidents. 9 Military fatalities.
3 civilian fatalities
KEY:
Date: Aircraft Type: Serial Number: Sqdn.-Group: Home Base: Action:
Pilot: Country/State: Location of Crash/Accident
Pilot: Country/State: Location of Crash/Accident
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410708 A-17A 36-241 2SS Bolling Field, DC KCRW 5
Samec, George USA VA Hayees Store, VA 
Sgt Harry Lee Wicker
BIRTH 20 Sep 1913 Lee County, North Carolina, USA DEATH 8 Jul 1941 (aged 27) Gloucester Point, Gloucester County, Virginia, USA BURIAL Forest Lawn Cemetery Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina, USA PLOT Section: 2 Lot: 28 Grave: 1 
Grave Photo by Becky dean
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George Samec
BIRTH 22 Sep 1908 Manhattan, New York County (Manhattan), New York, USA DEATH 8 Jul 1941 (aged 32) Virginia, USA BURIAL Flushing Cemetery Flushing, Queens County, New York, USA grave photo by Pat Hennessey |
July 10, 1941: 410710 P-40 39-224 65PI 57PI Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Clark, Thomas W. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
July 12, 1941: 410712 P-40 39-205 66PI 57P I Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
West, Jack C. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
July 14, 1941: 410714 P-40 39-193 65PI 57PI Mitchel Field, NY Ground Looped (GL)
Barr, John E. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
Clark, Thomas W. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
July 12, 1941: 410712 P-40 39-205 66PI 57P I Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
West, Jack C. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
July 14, 1941: 410714 P-40 39-193 65PI 57PI Mitchel Field, NY Ground Looped (GL)
Barr, John E. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
July 18, 1941: 410718 P-40 39-282 65PI 57PI Mitchel Field, NY KCRW 5
Hetrick, R. E. USA NY 1 1/2 mile north of Eastport, LI, NY crashed Eastport, Long Island, NY Jul 18, 1941. Pilot killed. 282 crashed Eastport, Long Island, NY Jul 18, 1941. Pilot killed.
Hetrick, R. E. USA NY 1 1/2 mile north of Eastport, LI, NY crashed Eastport, Long Island, NY Jul 18, 1941. Pilot killed. 282 crashed Eastport, Long Island, NY Jul 18, 1941. Pilot killed.
Nassau Daily Review Star
July 19, 1941 |
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Lieut Robert E. Hetrick BIRTH 1916 DEATH 1941 (aged 24–25) BURIAL Dimondale Cemetery Dimondale, Eaton County, Michigan, USA |
Mid Island Mail July 23, 1941
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Lansing State Journal-
Lansing MI-July 21 1941- 
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County Review: July 24 1941
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Suffolk County News
July 25 1941-1 
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July 19, 1941: Brooklyn Daily Eagle |
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Newsday July 21, 1941
New York Times July 19, 1941
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July 21, 1941: 410721 P-40C 41-13456 33PI 8PI Mitchel Field, NY TOA 3
Steeves, J. I. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
Steeves, J. I. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
July 23, 1941: 410723 P-40C 41-13425 33PS 8PG
Mitchel Field, NY FLEF 5 Mainwaring, John D. USA VA Norfolk NAS, VA |
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August 1, 1941: 410801 P-40C 41-13456 64PS 57PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Miller, Wynn D. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
August 4, 1941: 410804 P-40 39-187 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Palermo, Paul J. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
August 5, 1941: 410805 P-40 39-209 36PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Ryan, Richard E. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
August 14, 1941: 410814 P-40G 39-204 55PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident causing a Ground Loop (LACGL)
Boone, Carmon B. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
August 16, 1941: 410816 P-40G 39-226 36PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident causing a Ground Loop (LACGL)
Bush, Richard J. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
August 21, 1941: 410821 P-40 39-228 60PS Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Vrana, Clarence F. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY wrecked in landing accident at Mitchel Field Aug 21, 1941
August 22, 1941: 410822 P-43D 41-6718 1PG Selfridge Field, MI Take Off Accident with resulting Ground Loop but didn't leave the confines of the Air Base (TOAGL)
O'Connell, Philip B. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
August 26, 1941: 410826 P-39D 41-677 28PS Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident due to Mechanical Failure. (LACMF)
Barr, J.E. USA MS Meridian Key Field, MS
Miller, Wynn D. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
August 4, 1941: 410804 P-40 39-187 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Palermo, Paul J. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
August 5, 1941: 410805 P-40 39-209 36PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Ryan, Richard E. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
August 14, 1941: 410814 P-40G 39-204 55PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident causing a Ground Loop (LACGL)
Boone, Carmon B. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
August 16, 1941: 410816 P-40G 39-226 36PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident causing a Ground Loop (LACGL)
Bush, Richard J. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
August 21, 1941: 410821 P-40 39-228 60PS Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Vrana, Clarence F. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY wrecked in landing accident at Mitchel Field Aug 21, 1941
August 22, 1941: 410822 P-43D 41-6718 1PG Selfridge Field, MI Take Off Accident with resulting Ground Loop but didn't leave the confines of the Air Base (TOAGL)
O'Connell, Philip B. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
August 26, 1941: 410826 P-39D 41-677 28PS Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident due to Mechanical Failure. (LACMF)
Barr, J.E. USA MS Meridian Key Field, MS
September 2, 1941: 410902 P-39D 41-6755 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Bail out due to Fire (BOF)
Scott, Roy W. USA NY Hempstead, NY Corner of Florence and Jerusalem Avenues, 3 children Killed.
propeller failure. 6755 propeller failure E of Hempstead, NY Sep 2, 1941 and pilot bailed out.
Scott, Roy W. USA NY Hempstead, NY Corner of Florence and Jerusalem Avenues, 3 children Killed.
propeller failure. 6755 propeller failure E of Hempstead, NY Sep 2, 1941 and pilot bailed out.
3 children Killed. Georgene Kramer, (3 1/2), Jasper Cuccio, (5), Pauline Cuccio, (8).
Nassau Daily Review Star, September 3, 1941
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Newsday, September 3, 1941
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1. Crash Site 2. Children playing 3. Drug store where injured children were brought 4. Hempstead Reformed Church
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Above. Overview of Crash Site from Mitchel field.
Left. Crash site circled. Drug store on corner on left. |
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Jasper Cuccio
BIRTH 1936 DEATH 2 Sep 1941 (aged 5) BURIAL Cemetery of the Holy Rood Westbury, Nassau County, New York, USA |
Pauline Cuccio
BIRTH 1938 DEATH 2 Sep 1941 (aged –3–) BURIAL Cemetery of the Holy Rood Westbury, Nassau County, New York, USA |
Georgene Kramer
BIRTH 1938
New York, USA
DEATH 2 Sep 1941 (aged 3)
Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, USA
BURIA L Mount Ararat Cemetery
East Farmingdale, Suffolk County, New York, USA
BIRTH 1938
New York, USA
DEATH 2 Sep 1941 (aged 3)
Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, USA
BURIA L Mount Ararat Cemetery
East Farmingdale, Suffolk County, New York, USA
September 5, 1941: 410905 RP-40 39-178 58PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY FLEF 4
Hubbard, Mark E. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY: Wrecked, Badly damaged forced landing, Sep 5, 1941 near Westbury, NY and damaged beyond repair.
Hubbard, Mark E. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY: Wrecked, Badly damaged forced landing, Sep 5, 1941 near Westbury, NY and damaged beyond repair.
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September 6, 1941: 410906 P-40 39-199 36PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY TOAEF 5
Walker, George M. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY wrecked at Mitchel Field, NY Sept 6, 1941.
Destroyed taking off engine failure, Mitchel Field.
Walker, George M. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY wrecked at Mitchel Field, NY Sept 6, 1941.
Destroyed taking off engine failure, Mitchel Field.
September 6, 1941: 410906 RP-40 39-284 58PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Welch, John F. USA LA Barksdale Field, LA
Welch, John F. USA LA Barksdale Field, LA
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Brooklyn Daily Eagle September 2, 1941
410915 RP-40 39-193 55PS 8PG Barksdale Field, LA KMAC 5 Borroski, John W USA LA Coushatte, LA
410915 Navy VS-5 Lake Charles, LA MAC Woodhall USA LA Coushatte, LA
410915 Navy VS-5 Lake Charles, LA MAC Woodhall USA LA Coushatte, LA
Lieut John W Brobroski
BIRTH 1915 Racine, Racine County, Wisconsin, USA DEATH 15 Sep 1941 (aged 25–26) Coushatta, Red River Parish, Louisiana, USA BURIAL Unknown |
A crash during the Louisiana War Maneuvers occurred Sept. 15, 1941, when a Curtiss P-40 with the exercise’s Second Army, from Mitchel Field and based at Barksdale during the maneuvers, collided with a Navy dive bomber with the Lake Charles-based Third Army while the two airplanes were engaged in a simulated dogfight over Coushatta. The incident was captured, amazingly, by a soldier watching the dogfight and was on the front of the following day’s Shreveport Times. The P-40’s pilot, 2nd Lt. John Brobroski, 26, of Racine, Wisconsin, died when his airplane crashed and fireballed. The Navy airplane was damaged and its observer/gunner parachuted at 600 feet, but the pilot was able to nurse the airplane back to Lake Charles.
Another collision just four days later over Hagewood, just west of Natchitoches, killed the pilots of both airplanes in another Maneuvers-related aerial combat, 2nd Lt. Robert Harvey Keith in a P-38 Lightning and 2nd Lt. Leland Viar in a Curtiss P-40. |
September 19, 1941: 410919 P-40G 39-190 36PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY KMAC 5
Viar, Leland A. USA LA 10 mi NW of Natchitoches, LA: Redesignated P-40G Aug 18, 1941. In midair collision Sep 19, 1941, Natchitoches, LA. 190 redesignated P-40G Aug 18, 1941. In midair collision Sep 19, 1941, Natchitoches, LA.
Viar, Leland A. USA LA 10 mi NW of Natchitoches, LA: Redesignated P-40G Aug 18, 1941. In midair collision Sep 19, 1941, Natchitoches, LA. 190 redesignated P-40G Aug 18, 1941. In midair collision Sep 19, 1941, Natchitoches, LA.
Cedar Memorial
Lieut Leland Austin Viar BIRTH 14 Nov 1918 DEATH 19 Sep 1941 (aged 22) Hagewood, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, USA BURIAL Dunlap Cemetery Dunlap, Morris County, Kansas, USA |
Memorial Section of Cemetery
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Robert Harvey Keith BIRTH 25 Feb 1920 Wisconsin, USA DEATH 19 Sep 1941 (aged 21) Hagewood, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, USA BURIAL Evergreen Cemetery Menomonie, Dunn County, Wisconsin, USA PLOT 19 |
Grave photo by Bill Hart
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Bench photos by MJS History
Second Lieut. R. H. Keith of Menomimie, Wis., and Second Lieut. Leland A. Viar, 23, of Dunlap, Kan., were killed after a collision of two swift military planes near Natchitoches shortly before noon yesterday before the first phase of the Second – Third army maneuvers in Louisiana were halted.
The planes crashed during a hot fight between Red and Blue army ships using the swift P-40 and P-38 fighters, (P-38, the newest type of twin fuselage plane is called the fastest in the world). Keith, flying a P-38, was attached to the 37th [sic – should be 27th] Pursuit Squadron, Selfridge Field, Detroit, temporarily based at Beaumont, Texas. His body was recovered late this afternoon and brought to the McCook funeral home, Shreveport, where funeral arrangements had not been completed. His widow lives at Durham, N.C.
Viar's home station was at Mitchel Field, NY. He was a member of the 36th Pursuit Squadron, Eighth Pursuit Group, temporarily stationed at Barksdale Field, Shreveport, for duties with the Red army during the maneuvers. He was flying a P-40. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Viar, Dunlop, Kan.
The planes crashed during a hot fight between Red and Blue army ships using the swift P-40 and P-38 fighters, (P-38, the newest type of twin fuselage plane is called the fastest in the world). Keith, flying a P-38, was attached to the 37th [sic – should be 27th] Pursuit Squadron, Selfridge Field, Detroit, temporarily based at Beaumont, Texas. His body was recovered late this afternoon and brought to the McCook funeral home, Shreveport, where funeral arrangements had not been completed. His widow lives at Durham, N.C.
Viar's home station was at Mitchel Field, NY. He was a member of the 36th Pursuit Squadron, Eighth Pursuit Group, temporarily stationed at Barksdale Field, Shreveport, for duties with the Red army during the maneuvers. He was flying a P-40. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Viar, Dunlop, Kan.
September 19, 1941: 410919 AT-6 40-2137 60PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident causing a Ground Loop (LACGL) Damaged ground looped landing, Mitchel Field,
Hundsdorf, Paul C. USA NY Mitchel Feld, NY
September 26, 1941: 410926 AT-6 40-2139 59PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident causing a Ground Loop (LACGL) Damaged ground looped landing, Mitchel Field,
Freeman, Philip D. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
September 27, 1941: 410927 P-39D 41-6782 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Platt, Richard W. USA LA Natchitoches Field, LA
September 30, 1941: 410930 RP-40 39-165 8PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Horton, Franklin W. USA VA Langley Field, VA Badly damaged landing, Langley Field, VA, USA, plane later wrecked Dec 17, 1942
September 30, 1941: 410930 P-39D 41-6766 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Frank, William A. USA AL Maxwell Field, AL
September 30, 1941: 410930 RP-40 39-283 58PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Pancher, Herman P. USA GA Lowson Field, GA
October 5, 1941: 411005 RP-40 39-198 58PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Ward, James F. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
October 6, 1941: 411006 RP-40 39-156 MaDv Wright Field, OH LACMF 4
Peterson, Clayton L. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
October 6, 1941: 411006 P-39D 41-6827 36PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Smith, Thomas R. USA NY Floyd Bennett Field, NY
October 8, 1941: 411008 P-40 39-232 58PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Armstrong, George H. USA NY Suffolk County Airport, Westhampton, NY: Aircraft condemned Apr 14, 1942
Hundsdorf, Paul C. USA NY Mitchel Feld, NY
September 26, 1941: 410926 AT-6 40-2139 59PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident causing a Ground Loop (LACGL) Damaged ground looped landing, Mitchel Field,
Freeman, Philip D. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
September 27, 1941: 410927 P-39D 41-6782 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Platt, Richard W. USA LA Natchitoches Field, LA
September 30, 1941: 410930 RP-40 39-165 8PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Horton, Franklin W. USA VA Langley Field, VA Badly damaged landing, Langley Field, VA, USA, plane later wrecked Dec 17, 1942
September 30, 1941: 410930 P-39D 41-6766 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Frank, William A. USA AL Maxwell Field, AL
September 30, 1941: 410930 RP-40 39-283 58PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Pancher, Herman P. USA GA Lowson Field, GA
October 5, 1941: 411005 RP-40 39-198 58PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Ward, James F. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
October 6, 1941: 411006 RP-40 39-156 MaDv Wright Field, OH LACMF 4
Peterson, Clayton L. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
October 6, 1941: 411006 P-39D 41-6827 36PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Smith, Thomas R. USA NY Floyd Bennett Field, NY
October 8, 1941: 411008 P-40 39-232 58PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Armstrong, George H. USA NY Suffolk County Airport, Westhampton, NY: Aircraft condemned Apr 14, 1942
October 9, 1941: P-39D 41-6846 none 33PG 59th PS, Mitchel Field, NY Killed in Crash Landing out of Gas (KCRLOG) Lyons, John R. USA PA Monongahela River, near Courtney, PA: Pilot killed crash landing out of petrol, plane surveyed Feb 20, 1942, Hometown: Suffolk County, MA 6846 (MSN 15-185) W/o 9 Oct 1941 at Courtney, PA, surveyed Feb 20, 1942.
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John Register Lyons BIRTH 20 Nov 1917 DEATH 9 Oct 1941 (aged 23) BURIAL Bonaventure Cemetery Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia, USA |
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The Bolles School Senior Class of 1935 Jacksonville Fl
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October 11, 1941: 411011 RP-40 39-203 58PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Turner, Robert E. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
October 11, 1941: 411011 RP-40G 39-220 58PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Moore, John T. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
October 13, 1941: 411013 P-39D 59PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY LACMF 3
Savage, Turner E. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY Cat 3 damage landing Mitchel Field.
October 14, 1941: 411014 P-39D 41-6773 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY LAC 4
Naumann, Ernest A. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
October 20, 1941: 411020 P-39D 41-6777 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY LACMF 3
Christian, Shannon USA SC Owens Field, Columbia, SC
October 22, 1941: 411022 RP-40 39-171 58PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY LAC 3
Bethel, Douglas E. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY Damaged landing, Mitchel Field, Long Island, New York, USA, plane later destroyed in landing accident 18 Nov 41, Muni Airport, Tulsa OK
October 22, 1941: 411022 P-39D 41-6835 36PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY LAC 3
Smith, Luther P USA NC Pope Field, Fort Bragg, NC
October 24, 1941: 411024 RP-40 39-213 64PS 57PG Mitchel Field, NY BOEF 5
Pease, John H. USA CA Wild Rose Creek, CA: Lost in bad weather Oct 24, 1941 near Little Lake, CA.
Pilot bailed out. Wreck recently found in Sierra Nevada mountains.
October 25, 1941: 411025 P-39D 41-6763 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY TAC 3
Hall, Jack USA SC Muni Airport Greenville, SC
October 25, 1941:411025 P-39D 41-6817 36PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Plunkett, Gentry R. USA SC Florence, SC
October 26, 1941: 411026 RP-40C 39-231 58PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident causing a Ground Loop (LACGL)
Lancaster, Marvin E. USA AZ Tucson AAB, AZ
October 29, 1941: 411029 RP-40 39-180 59PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident causing a Ground Loop (LACGL) Damaged ground looped landing, Mitchel Field, plane to CL-26 at Mitchel Field
Bradley, John L. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY:
Turner, Robert E. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
October 11, 1941: 411011 RP-40G 39-220 58PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Moore, John T. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
October 13, 1941: 411013 P-39D 59PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY LACMF 3
Savage, Turner E. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY Cat 3 damage landing Mitchel Field.
October 14, 1941: 411014 P-39D 41-6773 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY LAC 4
Naumann, Ernest A. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
October 20, 1941: 411020 P-39D 41-6777 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY LACMF 3
Christian, Shannon USA SC Owens Field, Columbia, SC
October 22, 1941: 411022 RP-40 39-171 58PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY LAC 3
Bethel, Douglas E. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY Damaged landing, Mitchel Field, Long Island, New York, USA, plane later destroyed in landing accident 18 Nov 41, Muni Airport, Tulsa OK
October 22, 1941: 411022 P-39D 41-6835 36PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY LAC 3
Smith, Luther P USA NC Pope Field, Fort Bragg, NC
October 24, 1941: 411024 RP-40 39-213 64PS 57PG Mitchel Field, NY BOEF 5
Pease, John H. USA CA Wild Rose Creek, CA: Lost in bad weather Oct 24, 1941 near Little Lake, CA.
Pilot bailed out. Wreck recently found in Sierra Nevada mountains.
October 25, 1941: 411025 P-39D 41-6763 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY TAC 3
Hall, Jack USA SC Muni Airport Greenville, SC
October 25, 1941:411025 P-39D 41-6817 36PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Plunkett, Gentry R. USA SC Florence, SC
October 26, 1941: 411026 RP-40C 39-231 58PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident causing a Ground Loop (LACGL)
Lancaster, Marvin E. USA AZ Tucson AAB, AZ
October 29, 1941: 411029 RP-40 39-180 59PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident causing a Ground Loop (LACGL) Damaged ground looped landing, Mitchel Field, plane to CL-26 at Mitchel Field
Bradley, John L. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY:
November 2, 1941: 411102 P-39D 41-682 8HQSQ 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Bailed Out due to Mechanical Failure (BOMF)
Barr, John E. USA NC 10 mi SW Greensboro, NC
November 7, 1941: 411107 P-39D 41-6792 59PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY TOA 3
Riggin, Francis D. USA NY Republic Field, Farmingdale NY Damaged taking off, Mitchel Field, plane later to reclamation at Spokane, WA May 7, 1945
November 14, 1941: 411114 P-39D 41-6787 59PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY CRGC 5
Dunks, Hudson G. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY: Plane destroyed in ground collision, Mitchel Field, Long Island, New York, USA, stalled on landing and spun-in at Mitchel Field, NY Nov 14, 1941
November 15, 1941: 411115 P-39D 41-677535PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY CBLMF 3
Boone, Carmon B. USA NC Greensboro Muni Airport, NC
November 15, 1941: 411115 PT-17 41-799 9HQSQ 33PG Mitchel Field, NY BOW 5
Hedgpeth, James A. USA NY Melville, L.I., NY: Pilot bailed out due to weather, Melville, Long Island. (wrecked at Meville, Long Island Nov 16, 1941)
November 16, 1941: 411116 P-39D 41-6754 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY TOAEF 5
Prejean, Edward J. USA NC Greensboro Muni Airport, NC
November 21, 1941: 411121 A-17 35-111 1ABS 2ABG Mitchel Field, NY FLW 3
Miller, Earl S. USA NY Greene, NY
November 27, 1941: 411127 P-39D 41-6771 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY FLEF 4
Bailey, Kermit A. USA NC Municipal Airport, Greensboro, NC
November 28, 1941: 411128 P-40 40-296 58PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY FLEF 4
Bair, Charles L. USA NC 6 mi S of Candor, NC
November 29, 1941: 411129 BC-1A 39-80 9HQSQ 1ASC Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Salisbury, Glenn C. USA NC Marston Strip, NC
Barr, John E. USA NC 10 mi SW Greensboro, NC
November 7, 1941: 411107 P-39D 41-6792 59PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY TOA 3
Riggin, Francis D. USA NY Republic Field, Farmingdale NY Damaged taking off, Mitchel Field, plane later to reclamation at Spokane, WA May 7, 1945
November 14, 1941: 411114 P-39D 41-6787 59PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY CRGC 5
Dunks, Hudson G. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY: Plane destroyed in ground collision, Mitchel Field, Long Island, New York, USA, stalled on landing and spun-in at Mitchel Field, NY Nov 14, 1941
November 15, 1941: 411115 P-39D 41-677535PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY CBLMF 3
Boone, Carmon B. USA NC Greensboro Muni Airport, NC
November 15, 1941: 411115 PT-17 41-799 9HQSQ 33PG Mitchel Field, NY BOW 5
Hedgpeth, James A. USA NY Melville, L.I., NY: Pilot bailed out due to weather, Melville, Long Island. (wrecked at Meville, Long Island Nov 16, 1941)
November 16, 1941: 411116 P-39D 41-6754 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY TOAEF 5
Prejean, Edward J. USA NC Greensboro Muni Airport, NC
November 21, 1941: 411121 A-17 35-111 1ABS 2ABG Mitchel Field, NY FLW 3
Miller, Earl S. USA NY Greene, NY
November 27, 1941: 411127 P-39D 41-6771 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY FLEF 4
Bailey, Kermit A. USA NC Municipal Airport, Greensboro, NC
November 28, 1941: 411128 P-40 40-296 58PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY FLEF 4
Bair, Charles L. USA NC 6 mi S of Candor, NC
November 29, 1941: 411129 BC-1A 39-80 9HQSQ 1ASC Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Salisbury, Glenn C. USA NC Marston Strip, NC
December 6, 1941: 411206 RP-40G 40-341 HQSQ 8PG Mitchel Field, NY
Killed in Crash Landing Engine Failure (KCRLEF)
Davenport, Charles USA NY Atlantic Ocean off Rockaway Beach, NY: 341 crashed into ocean off Mitchel Field, NY Dec 6, 1941. Pilot killed.
Killed in Crash Landing Engine Failure (KCRLEF)
Davenport, Charles USA NY Atlantic Ocean off Rockaway Beach, NY: 341 crashed into ocean off Mitchel Field, NY Dec 6, 1941. Pilot killed.
Atlantic Ocean, off Rockaway Beach, Long Island, NY: Aviation Cadet Charles L Davenport, age 24, Silsbee, TX his Army P-40 Plane Crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, 1 mile out from Rockaway Beach. He was shedualed to be commissioned as an Air Corps 2nd Lieutenant, Dec 12, Mitchel Field, Long Island, NY
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Brooklyn Daily Eagle December 7, 1941 |
Lt. Charles Laverne Davenport
BIRTH 1 Oct 1917 Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas, USA DEATH 6 Dec 1941 (aged 24) Rockaway Point, Queens County, New York, USA BURIAL Resthaven Cemetery Silsbee, Hardin County, Texas, USA 
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We remember and honorAviation Cadet (Lt.) Charles Laverne Davenport, from Silsbee, Texas, based at Mitchel Field, who died in a crash on December 6, 1941: RP-40G 40-341 HQ SQ 8PG Mitchel Field, NY . Killed in Crash Landing Engine Failure (KCRLEF), crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off Rockaway Beach, NY:
Over 1000 witnesses saw Lt. Davenport's plane in trouble passing over the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk. Not seeing a safe place to land he turned northwest towards Jamaica Bay and the safety of Floyd Bennet Field. The engine started sputtering and he turned again and headed out over the ocean. Hundreds of beach strollers watched as he pointed his P-40 out to sea, inevitably to ensure no civilians would be hurt or killed during an emergency water landing attempt with his plane. Suddenly the engine burst into fire and Davenport bailed out below 500 feet, just before his aircraft exploded and fell to the sea in pieces and flames, just 1000 feet from shore. Too late! His delay as his P-40 lost altitude prevented his chute from full deployment. A coast guard seaplane from Bennet field found his body entangled in his parachute harness and brought him close to shore at the foot of 115th Street where Nathan Diugatz waded into to waist deep water to carry him onto the beach. For over an hour emergency teams and a doctor tried unsuccessfully to revive him. Davenport’s body was taken to the Rockaway Beach police station for return to Mitchel Field and then home to his parents in Silsbee Texas.
Davenport took his basic flying at Moffat Field before transferring to Mather Field and then Mitchel. He was scheduled to be commissioned as an Air Corps 2nd LT. December 12 at Mitchel Field Long Island, awarded posthumously..
Think on this... December 6, 1941, one day before Pearl Harbor. America not yet at war. On the last day of peace, a tragic death. Lt. Charles Laverne Davenport , a young pilot sacrificed his life for hundreds of strangers on the beach, streets and boardwalk. The dramatic news from the following day overshadowed his death and sacrifice. One life, and his family forever changed, but hundreds of lives and families spared. Let US not forget! Rest in Peace Sir! Slow salute! I am still searching for a photo of Lt. Charles Laverne Davenport.
Thank you: Paul Martin: Webmaster
Over 1000 witnesses saw Lt. Davenport's plane in trouble passing over the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk. Not seeing a safe place to land he turned northwest towards Jamaica Bay and the safety of Floyd Bennet Field. The engine started sputtering and he turned again and headed out over the ocean. Hundreds of beach strollers watched as he pointed his P-40 out to sea, inevitably to ensure no civilians would be hurt or killed during an emergency water landing attempt with his plane. Suddenly the engine burst into fire and Davenport bailed out below 500 feet, just before his aircraft exploded and fell to the sea in pieces and flames, just 1000 feet from shore. Too late! His delay as his P-40 lost altitude prevented his chute from full deployment. A coast guard seaplane from Bennet field found his body entangled in his parachute harness and brought him close to shore at the foot of 115th Street where Nathan Diugatz waded into to waist deep water to carry him onto the beach. For over an hour emergency teams and a doctor tried unsuccessfully to revive him. Davenport’s body was taken to the Rockaway Beach police station for return to Mitchel Field and then home to his parents in Silsbee Texas.
Davenport took his basic flying at Moffat Field before transferring to Mather Field and then Mitchel. He was scheduled to be commissioned as an Air Corps 2nd LT. December 12 at Mitchel Field Long Island, awarded posthumously..
Think on this... December 6, 1941, one day before Pearl Harbor. America not yet at war. On the last day of peace, a tragic death. Lt. Charles Laverne Davenport , a young pilot sacrificed his life for hundreds of strangers on the beach, streets and boardwalk. The dramatic news from the following day overshadowed his death and sacrifice. One life, and his family forever changed, but hundreds of lives and families spared. Let US not forget! Rest in Peace Sir! Slow salute! I am still searching for a photo of Lt. Charles Laverne Davenport.
Thank you: Paul Martin: Webmaster
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New York Times December 7, 1941
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December 7, 1941: 411207 P-40
39-281 58PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY
FLoG 5
Rybak, Joseph S.
USA NY
Montefiore Cemetary, Farmingdale, NY
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NY Times, December 9, 1941
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December 11, 1941: 411211 P-40C 41-13500 59PS 33PG Mitchel Field, NY KSF 5
Dunks, Hudson G. USA CT Mystic, CT Pilot killed plane destroyed structural failure, Mystic, CT, USA
(JB website has wrecked at Groton, CT Dec 11, 1942) Hometown: Branch County, MI
Lt. Dunks was just transferred from Mitchel Field to Groton CT.
Dunks, Hudson G. USA CT Mystic, CT Pilot killed plane destroyed structural failure, Mystic, CT, USA
(JB website has wrecked at Groton, CT Dec 11, 1942) Hometown: Branch County, MI
Lt. Dunks was just transferred from Mitchel Field to Groton CT.
2LT Hudson G. Dunks
BIRTH 1915 DEATH 11 Dec 1941 (aged 25–26) BURIAL Riverside Cemetery Union City, Branch County, Michigan, USA |
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USAAF Flight School Photo 'The Gig Sheet' Class 41-F Kelly Field, Texas |
December 16, 1941: 411216 P-39D 41-6818 36PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY LACMF 3
Brown, Paul G. USA CT Muni Airport, Bridgeport CT
December 18, 1941: 411218 P-39D 41-6815 36PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY LACMF 3
Slocumb, Clyde B. USA CT Muni Airport, Bridgeport CT
December 19, 1941: 411219 P-39D 41-6762 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Prejean, Edward J. USA NJ Bendix Airport, NJ
December 19, 1941: 411219 P-39D 41-6795 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY LACMF 3
Nichols, Robert N. USA RI State Airport, Hillsgrove, RI
December 20, 1941: 411220 P-39D 41-6752 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY LACMF 3
Middleditch, Lyman Jr. USA NY Bendix Airport, NJ
December 21, 1941: 411221 P-39 41-6744 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY TAC 3
(parked aircraft) USA RI State Airport, Hillsgrove, RI
December 22, 1941: 411222 P-40E 41-553 6AirDep Westover Field, MA Landing Accident (LAC)
Christian, Shanon USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
December 22, 1941: 411222 P-40E 41-553 4AirDep Westover Field, MA Landing Accident (LAC)
Long, George W. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
December 30, 1941: 411230 AT-6 40-215 2HQSQ 33PG Mitchell Field, NY Landing Accident causing a Ground Loop (LACGL)
Bailey, Kermit A. USA PA Philadelphia, Muni Airport, PA
Brown, Paul G. USA CT Muni Airport, Bridgeport CT
December 18, 1941: 411218 P-39D 41-6815 36PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY LACMF 3
Slocumb, Clyde B. USA CT Muni Airport, Bridgeport CT
December 19, 1941: 411219 P-39D 41-6762 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY Landing Accident (LAC)
Prejean, Edward J. USA NJ Bendix Airport, NJ
December 19, 1941: 411219 P-39D 41-6795 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY LACMF 3
Nichols, Robert N. USA RI State Airport, Hillsgrove, RI
December 20, 1941: 411220 P-39D 41-6752 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY LACMF 3
Middleditch, Lyman Jr. USA NY Bendix Airport, NJ
December 21, 1941: 411221 P-39 41-6744 35PS 8PG Mitchel Field, NY TAC 3
(parked aircraft) USA RI State Airport, Hillsgrove, RI
December 22, 1941: 411222 P-40E 41-553 6AirDep Westover Field, MA Landing Accident (LAC)
Christian, Shanon USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
December 22, 1941: 411222 P-40E 41-553 4AirDep Westover Field, MA Landing Accident (LAC)
Long, George W. USA NY Mitchel Field, NY
December 30, 1941: 411230 AT-6 40-215 2HQSQ 33PG Mitchell Field, NY Landing Accident causing a Ground Loop (LACGL)
Bailey, Kermit A. USA PA Philadelphia, Muni Airport, PA
411222 RP-40 39-208 66PS Republic Airport, Farmingdale,NY
BOMF 5 Lydon, Leanard C USA NY 1 mi S of Republic Airport, NY
BOMF 5 Lydon, Leanard C USA NY 1 mi S of Republic Airport, NY
December 30, 1941: 411230 AT-6 40-215 2HQSQ 33PG Mitchell Field, NY Landing Accident causing a Ground Loop (LACGL)
Bailey, Kermit A. USA PA Philadelphia, Muni Airport, PA
Bailey, Kermit A. USA PA Philadelphia, Muni Airport, PA
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