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| USMC MAG-22 VMF-422 |
Pilot 1st Lt. Theodore D. Thurnau, Jr. (KIA, BR) Woodcliff Lake, NJ Crashed February 28, 1944 Aircraft History Built by Chance-Vought. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as F4U-1A Corsair bureau number 03826. Disassembled and shipped to the Central Pacific and reassembled. Wartime History Assigned to the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), Marine Air Group 22 (MAG-22), Marine Fighting Squadron 422 "Flying Buccaneers" VMF-422. No known squadron number, nickname or nose art. Mission History On February 28, 1944 took off from Abemama Airfield piloted by 1st Lt. Theodore D. Thurnau, Jr. on a flight. While getting airborne, the left wing's locking pin came free and caused this Corsair to crash just as it was becoming airborne and killed the pilot. Recovery of Remains After the crash, Thurnau was recovered and buried. Postwar, he was transported to the United States for permanent burial. Memorials Thurnau was officially declared dead the day of the mission. He is buried at Beverly National Cemetery in Beverly, NJ. References Navy Serial Number Search Results - F4U-1A Corsair 03826 USN Overseas Aircraft Loss List February 1944 - F4U Corsair 03826 NARA "Marine Fighting Squadron Four Twenty Two - 1 January 1943 to 31 December 1944" appendix D, page 2 (Appendix D Casualty List, page 2) "Thurnau, Theodore, 1st Lt., Westwood, N.J. Dead (operational) On 28 February 1944, Lt. Thurnau was killed on take off at Apamama, Gilbert Islands. The left wing locking pin worked out of the locked position just as the Corsair was airborne. The aircraft was totally wrecked." FindAGrave - Lieut Theodore D. Thurnau, Jr (grave photo) Thanks to William Bartsch for additional information Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated July 29, 2022 |
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