Wartime History
Assigned to the 5th Air Force, 475th Fighter Group, 431st Fighter Squadron. No known nose art or nickname. When lost, engines V-1710-91 and V-1710-89 serial numbers A-056818 and A-057824. Weapon serial numbers noted in MACR.

Mission History
One of fifteen P-38s that took off from Dulag Airfield on Leyte for a fighter sweep and escort mission for B-24 Liberators bombing Mabalacat Field near Clark Field. Arrived over the target at 21,000' and were intercepted by 20 enemy fighters attacking from two directions.

After the initial pass, P-38L 44-24846 piloted by Koeck was in a low descending turn. Other pilots believed they heard Lt. Provencio tell him to bail out. Afterwards, he radioed that he was trying to get as far from Clark as he could then would abandon his P-38.

This aircraft was one of three P-38s lost on the mission. Also lost were P-38L 44-24846 piloted by Koeck and P-38L piloted by Fulkerson.

Memorials
Provencio's remains were recovered. Postwar, transported to the United States and buried at Fort Bliss National Cemetery at section B site 290A.

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Last Updated
September 25, 2018