Aircraft History
Built by Grumman as a model G-36 with manually operated folding wings. Delivered to the United States Navy (USN) as F4F-4 Wildcat bureau number 5155.

Wartime History
Assigned to USS Sangamon (CVE-26) to squadron VF-28. No known nickname or nose art. No known squadron number.

Mission History
On July 18, 1943 took off from the Russell Islands on an mission to escort B-24 Liberators on a bombing mission against Kahili Airfield (Buin) on southern Bougainville. Over the target, intercepted by Zeros and likely shot down by Zeros. When this aircraft failed to return it was officially listed as Missing In Action (MIA).

Memorials
Dalton was officially declared dead on January 7, 1946. Posthumously, Dalton was promoted to Lieutenant Commander and the Purple Heart plus the Air Medal. He is memorialized on the tablets of the missing at Manila American Cemetery.

References
Navy Serial Number Search Results - F4F-4 Wildcat 5155
USN Overseas Aircraft Loss List July 1943 F4F-4 5155 VF-28 Lt Dalton
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - John S. Dalton
FindAGrave - LtCdr John S Dalton (tablets of the missing)

Last Updated
December 12, 2023