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| USAAF 5th AF 8th FG 80th FS |
Pilot 2nd Lt. Robert M. Bennett, O-728550 (survived) Crashed April 12, 1943 Aircraft History Built by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation (LAC) in Burbank. Constructors Number 322-3491. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as P-38G-15-LO Lightning Serial Number 43-2382. Disassembled and shipped overseas and reassembled. Wartime History Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 8th Fighter Group (8th FG), 80th Fighter Squadron (80th FS) "Headhunters". No known nickname or nose art. Mission History On April 12, 1943 at 11:00am while taxing at Iron Range Airfield piloted by 2nd Lt. Robert M. Bennett the nose wheel strut broke and caused the left engine to hit the ground cracking reduction gear before a flight bound for 3 Mile Drome (Kila) near Port Moresby. Pilot Bennett was unhurt. Afterwards, this plane was repaired. On July 21, 1943 took off from 3 Mile Drome (Kila) near Port Moresby piloted by 1st Lt. Jay T. Robbins on a mission to escort B-25 Mitchells over Bogadjim. Over the target, engaged Japanese fighters including Ki-43 Oscars and Ki-61 Tonys. At noon claimed three Zekes [sic Ki-43 Oscars] and one Zeke [sic Ki-43 Oscar] probable. During the combat, P-38 Lightning pilot 2nd Lt. Murtha J. McCarthy was shot down and bailed out. As he descended in his parachute, fellow pilots Robbins and Adams attempted to protect him but several enemy fighters were observed strafing him. Ultimate fate unknown likely scrapped or otherwise disappeared. References USAF Serial Number Search Results - P-38G-15-LO Lightning 43-2382 Stars & Bars (1995) page 525 (Robbins 07/21/43) Thanks Keith Hopper for this information Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated June 28, 2025 |
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