USAAF
13th AF
347th FG
68th FS
(44th FS Detachment)
Pilot Captain Albert L. Johnson, O-417149 (MIA / KIA) CA
MACR 611
Missing February 13, 1943
Pilot History
Johnson earned the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart
AIrcraft History
The MACR does not list the serial number of this P-40F. Other sources list this aircraft as P-40F Serial Number 41-14825, "White 102".
Mission History
Took off from Fighter 2 (Kukum) to escort 6 B-24s escorted by 4 P-38s and 7 P-40s to attack shipping in the Shortland-Kahilli-Buin area.
On the way to the target, 3 P-40s and 2 P-38s aborted the mission due to engine trouble, leaving the B-24s with an escort of 2 P-38s and 4 P-40s: this aircraft, P-40F 41-14110, P-40F piloted by Bade and P-40F piloted by Westbrook.
This force is attacked by 39 enemey fighters over the target including Zeros and floatplanes. Last seen around 11:00 near Ballale. Attacked by Zeros, this fighter went MIA, likely shot down. Johnson earned a DSC for this mission.
Justin Taylan adds:
"I researched this mission at the Tokyo Defense archives. The following Japanese aircraft attacked: 11 Rufes (one aboarted) of 802nd Kokutai, 20 Zeros of the 252nd Kokutai and 9 Zeros of the 204th Kokutai. A total of 39 Japanese aircraft."
Memorials
Declared dead after the mission, Johnson is memorialized on the tablets of the missing at Manila American Cemetery.
References
Guadalcanal and the Origins of the 13th Air Force, pg 180-181
Vampire Squadron, page 25-26
Kodochosho, 802nd Kokutai, February 13, 1943
Kodochosho, 204th Kokutai, February 13, 1943
Kodochosho, 252nd Kokutai, February 13, 1943
P-40
MIA
