Pacific Wrecks

Missing In Action (MIA)

Prisoners Of War (POW)

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)

Chronology

F6F-3 Hellcat Bureau Number 25853

USN
VF-33

Pilot Lt(jg) Frank E. Schneider, O-156716 (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 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. 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
Officially declared dead on January 14, 1946. 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
Air-To-Air page 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
August 24, 2019

F6F

MIA
1 Missing

Interviews & Oral Histories