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| USN VF-33 |
Pilot Lt(jg) Frank E. Schneider, O-156716 USNR (MIA / KIA) OK MIA January 9, 1944 Pilot History Schneider was an ace, and on this mission claimed his seventh Japanese fighter. 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 25853. Wartime History Assigned to Fighting Squadron 33 (VF-33). No known nickname or nose art. Mission History On January 9, 1944 took off from Ondonga Airfield on New Georgia piloted by Lt(jg) Frank E. Schneider on a mission to provide low cover on an escort mission for TBFs and SBDs attacking Tobera Airfield south of Rabaul. Over the target, intercepted by Zeros and claimed one shot down, his seventh aerial victory claim. This F6F Hellcat was lost at sea to the east of Kabanga Bay over St. Georges Channel. When this aircraft failed to return it was officially listed as Missing In Action (MIA). RNZAF P-40 pilot, S/L Newton noted: "I saw two parachutes, one in the air and one on the water three and eight miles east of Kabanga Bay respectively. It was then I saw a F6F go down in flames [this aircraft]." Memorials Schneider was officially declared dead on January 14, 1946. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and Purple Heart, posthumously. Schneider is memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing. Relatives William Schneider (nephew) References Navy Serial Number Search Results - F6F-3 Hellcat 25853 USN Overseas Aircraft Loss List January 1944 - F6F-3 Hellcat 25853 American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Robert R. Stalker FindAGrave - LtJG Frank E Schneider (tablets of the missing) Air-To-Air (2003) pages 258 (photo), 260 Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated November 18, 2024 |
 F6F  MIA 1 Missing |
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