Aircraft History
Built by Grumman as model G-50 in Bethpage, New York. Contract Number NOa(s) 846. On November 15, 1944 delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as F6F-5 Hellcat bureau number 72311. During November 1944 at NAS San Diego. Afterwards, sent to Guam. On December 31, 1944 officially stricken off charge. Ultimate fate unknown likely scrapped or otherwise disappeared.
References
Note, some sources list F6F Hellcat bureau number 72311 pilot Ens George Bruen Whitehouse assigned to USS Cowpens lost December 14, 1944 but in fact he was lost piloting F6F-5 Hellcat 58607.
Aircraft History Card F4F-5 Hellcat 72311
via Records of the CNO, OP-NAV-501D, Records of Aircraft History Cards, 1911-1949 Reel 50 image 1012 via Emil Buehler Naval Aviation Library, National Naval Aviation Museum
Navy Serial Number Search Results - F6F-5 Hellcat 72311
USN Overseas Aircraft Loss List - F6F Hellcat 72311 [sic loss was F6F-5 Hellcat 58607]
Contribute
Information
Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned?
Do you have photos or additional information to add?
Last Updated
August 14, 2026
|
