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| USAAF 5th AF 49th FG 9th FS |
Pilot Lt. Robert H. "Snake Bite Bob" Vaught (survived) Washington County, TN Force Landed March 5, 1943 MACR none Aircraft History Built by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation (LAC) in Burbank. Constructors Number 3304. Delivered to the U.S. Army. Disassembled and shipped overseas and reassembled. Wartime History Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 49th Fighter Group (49th FG), 9th Fighter Squadron (9th FS). No known nose art or nickname. Wartime History On March 5, 1943 took off from Dobodura Airfield piloted by Lt. Robert "Snake Bite Bob" Vaught on a mission over Salamaua after the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. Over Lae and Malahang, he claimed two Zekes that became his fourth and fifth aerial victories. During the air combat, one engine was damaged and he he elected to divert to Wau. While on the final approach to Wau Airfield, the other engine failed and he crashed short of the runway and was injured in the crash. Wreckage Until the 1960s, the wreckage of this aircraft remained on property owned by Ron Firns. When the aircraft was being scrapped, his son Ken Firns recovered pieces including the control column, rudder pedals, engine control stand. Today, these pieces are owned by Keith Hopper. Memorials Vaught remained in the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on June 1, 1952. He retired in 1959 and passed away on June 19, 1978 at age 60. He is buried at Monte Vista Memorial Park in Johnson City, TN in section I. References USAF Serial Number Search Results - P-38G-13-LO 43-2195 FindAGrave - Capt Robert Harry “Snake Bite Bob” Vaught (photo, news, grave photo) Stars & Bars (1995) pages 607 (Vaught) Thanks to Keith Hopper 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
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