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| USN VGF-30   Justin Taylan 2012 |
Pilot Ensign William Reiter (survived) Ditched December 19, 1942 Aircraft History Built by General Motors Corporation and assembled by Eastern Aircraft Division. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as FM-1 Wildcat bureau number 14994. Wartime History Assigned to USS Wolverine (IX-64) to Escort-Fighter Squadron 30 (VGF-30). Assigned to pilot Ensign W. E. "Dixie" Howell with the nose art of the Walt Disney character Donald Duck holding LSO paddles below the left side of the cockpit. Mission History On December 19, 1942 took off from USS Charger (CVE-30) piloted by Ensign William Reiter on a training flight. While landing, hit the catwalk and was damaged then ditched into Lake Michigan. Reiter survived and was rescued. Wreckage Until 1994, the intact Wildcat remained in situ at the bottom of Lake Michigan. During 1993, salvaged from Lake Michigan and the U.S. Navy (USN) took custody of the plane. Display On September 2, 1993 this Wildcat arrived at Valiant Air Command Museum, on loan from the U.S. Navy. Over five years, the Wildcat was restored to static condition. By 2001, the restored plane was put on display with the original unrestored engine nearby. While on display, the original pilot, W. E. "Dixie" Howell visited his former plane. References Navy Serial Number Search Results - General Motors FM-1 Wildcat 14994 "14994 noted Sep 2003 at Valiant Air Command Museum, Titusville, FL" WarbirdRegistry - Wildcat Bu 14994 Thanks to Ted Darcy for additional information Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated May 6, 2023 |
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