|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| USN VF-35  USN 1943 |
Pilot Ensign Jesse O. Kennedy Jr., USNR (MIA / KIA, BR) Reidsville, GA Crashed October 19, 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 42551. Wartime History Assigned to USS Chenango (CVE-28), Fighting Squadron 35 (VF-35). No known nickname, nose art or markings. Mission History On October 19, 1944 launched from USS Chenango (CVE-28) piloted by Ensign Jesse O. Kennedy Jr. as one of four Hellcats on sweep over Negros. Over Saravia Airfield (Alicante) at low altitude, the formation experienced intense anti-aircraft fire in the belly tank that although was mostly empty exploded and within 30 seconds burned and crashed into the sea with no observer observed. When this plane failed to return, it was listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Recovery of Remains Postwar, Kennedy's remains were recovered and transported to the United States for permenant burial. Memorials Kennedy was officially declared dead the day of the mission. On August 29, 1948 he was buried at Reidsville City Cemetery in Reidsville, GA at section E 1. References Navy Serial Number Search Results - F6F-3 Hellcat 42551 NARA "Fighting Squadron Thirty-Five (VF-35) War History page 21 (Page 21) "On 19 October [1944] 4 planes of VF-35 destroyed 5 planes and damaged 6 others on the ground besides inflicting other serious damage during a sweep of air fields on Negros, P.I. At Alicante air field [Saravia Airfield], intense AA shot down the plane of Ensign Jesse O. Kennedy, A-V(R) USNR, of Reidsville, Georgia. Hit at a low altitude, the plane crashed into the water and there was no survivor observed. On the return trip from this strike, Lieut. Forrer shot down an airborne Sally, adding to the four planes destroyed on the ground." Tattnall Journal "Obituary Kennedy" August 26, 1948 Reference: The Little Giants U.S. Escort Carriers Against Japan page 127, 137 [Hellcat shot down 23 Oct, sic 19 Oct], 429 (footnote 19) The Glennville Sentinel "Request granted to name Brazell Creek Bridge for Jesse Kennedy" February 8, 2001 FindAGrave - Jesse Orlando Kennedy Jr. (photo, 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 October 29, 2024 |
 F6F |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
