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| USN VF-38 |
Pilot Lt(jg) Leland Baucom Cornell (survived) Force Landed September 16, 1943 Aircraft History Built by Grumman as model G-50 in Bethpage, New York. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as F6F-3 Hellcat bureau number 25796. Disassembled and shipped overseas to the South Pacific (SOPAC) and reassembled. Wartime History Assigned to Fighting Squadron 38 (VF-38). No known nickname or nose art. Mission History On September 16, 1943 took off from Fighter One on Guadalcanal piloted by Lt(jg) Leland B. Cornell on a mission to escort a strike by 24 TBF Avengers and 31 SBD Dauntless dive bombers bombing Ballale Island. The bombers were escorted by 71 fighters including 13 F6F Hellcats from VF-38, 11 F6F Hellcats from VF-40, plus other F6Fs, F4U Corsairs, P-40 Warhawks and P-38 Lightnings. Over the target, 40-50 intercepting Zeros and Tonys were met, and heavy anti-aircraft over the target. In the ensuing dogfights, 3 Zeros were destroyed and a probable claimed. American losses were: F4U 17127 and three F6F from VF-38 (two ditched and one MIA, F6F flown by Lt. Riley), and one Hellcat was damaged, landing at Munda, then flown back to Fighter One for a week of repairs. This Hellcat was lost or ditched, pilot was rescued (details unknown). Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated November 19, 2024 |
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