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| USN USS Cabot CVL-28 VF-31 |
Pilot Lt(jg) M. L. Loomis, O-176976 USNR (MIA / KIA) MA MIA July 4, 1944 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 40317. Wartime History Assigned to the USS Cabot (CVL-28) to Fighting Squadron 31 (VF-31). No known nickname or nose art. Mission History On July 4, 1944 took off from the USS Cabot (CVL-28) piloted by Lt(jg) M. L. Loomis on a fighter sweep over Iwo Jima. Over the target, the formation was intercepted by A6M5 Zero from the 301 Kōkūtai. Likely, this Hellcat was shot down by intercepting Zeros. When Loomis failed to return he was listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Also lost is F6F 40259 piloted by Hancock. Memorials Loomis was officially declared dead on February 4, 1946. He earned the Air Medal and Purple Heart, posthumously. Loomis is memorialized at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) on the courts of the missing, court 1. References Navy Serial Number Search Results - F6F-3 Hellcat 40317 USN Overseas Aircraft Loss List July 1944 - F6F-3 Hellcat 40317 NARA VF-31 War Diary - Aircraft Action Report, July 4, 1944 pages 7-15 Kodochosho, 301 Kōkūtai, July 4, 1944 American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Malcolm L. Loomis FindAGrave - LTJG Malcolm Lindsay Loomis (courts of the missing) 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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