USAAF
5th AF
348th FG
342nd FS
Pilot 1st Lt James H Pratt, O-665442 (MIA / KIA) MI
Shot Down December 26, 1943 at 1700 hours aprox.
MACR 4474
Pilot History
Pratt earned the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Purple Heart
Aircraft History
Engine: R2800 Serial Number: 42-125024
Mission History
This aircraft was with a formation of P-47s escorting bombers over Cape Gloucester. Off the southwest coast of New Britain, at 18,000' they encountered Japanese fighters and bombers.
Wynans E. Frankfort, MACR page 3
"At approximately 1650 hours, Lt. Pratt was seen to peel off into a long steep dive after a Japanese fighter, and disappeared into the clouds at about 6,000'."
Lost near Sakar Island, west of Cape Gloucester.
Search
An extensive search by US Navy PBY Catalina searched the area for three days and PT Boats and US Navy ships covered the area searched while on other missions. Other 348th FG fighters also searched the area for fourteen days. Nothing was ever found.
Memorials
Pratt was declared dead on January 16, 1946. Memorialized on the tablets of the missing at Manila American Cemetery.
References
Frame 264 microfilm A0808. Aircraft believed to have been shot down by Allied anti-aircraft fire.
P-47
MIA
