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| USN VF-34 |
Pilot Ensign Charles R. Miller (MIA / KIA, BR) IL Crashed March 31, 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 40682. Shipped overseas to the South Pacific (SOPAC). Wartime History Assigned to Fighting Squadron 34 (VF-34). No known nickname, nose art, fusealge code or tail code. Mission History On March 31, 1944 took off from Nissan Airfield (Green) on Nissan Island (Green) piloted by Ensign Charles R. Miller on a barge sweep around New Ireland. This Hellcat was last seen by one of his division mates joining up with others off Cape Sena on the north coast of New Ireland on the way back to base. Division leader, Lt. Yorston called over the radio for Miller as they circled but he never rejoined formation. When this aircraft failed to return it was officially declared Missing In Action (MIA). Search Afterwards, searched aircraft found no trace of this plane or pilot. Recovery of Remains Postwar his remains were located and transported to the United States for permanent burial. Memorials Miller was officially declared dead the day of the mission. He is buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery at section O, site 1172. References Navy Serial Number Search Results - F6F-3 Hellcat 40682 USN Overseas Aircraft Loss List March 1944 - F6F-3 Hellcat 40682 Torokian [sic Green] and Rabaul [sic New Ireland] NARA Fighting Squadron Thirty-Four War Diary June 30, 1944 page 5 (Page 5) "5. March 31st [1944], the squadron [VF-34] suffered its second casualty. On a barge sweep around New Ireland, Ensign Miller failed to return. He was last seen by one of his division mates joining up with others off Cape Sena on the way back to base. He pulled away and returned to the area they had just swept. His division leader, Lt. Yorston, called for him and circled, waiting. After a time, the division returned to base and searches were sent out, but results were negative. Ensign Miller was reported missing in action." FindAGrave - Charles R Miller (grave photo) 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 |
 F6F  MIA 1 Missing Resolved |
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