|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
| USAAF 5th AF 35th FG 39th FS |
Pilot 1st Lt. Fred Burnam Shifflet, Jr., O-406491 (survived) OH Ditched October 14, 1942 MACR none Aircraft History Built by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation (LAC) in Burbank. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as P-38F Lightning serial number unknown in the range of 42-12567 to 42-12715. Disassembled and shipped overseas and reassembled. Wartime History Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 35th Fighter Group (35th FG), 39th Fighter Squadron (39th FS). No known nickname or nose art. Mission History On October 14, 1942 took off from 14 Mile Drome (Schwimmer) near Port Moresby piloted by 1st Lt. Fred Burnam Shifflet, Jr. as one of eight P-38s on a patrol over Waigela. Over the north coast of New Guinea, this P-38 suffered an engine failure and the other engine began smoking then ditched into the sea. When this aircraft failed to return it was listed as Missing In Action (MIA) until the next day when the pilot was reported as rescued. Fate of the Pilot Shifflet was slightly injured during the ditching. Afterwards, he was rescued by Maclaren King and transported to Waigela and received medical treatment from the Australian Army 2/10 Infantry Battalion. Afterwards, flown from Waigela Airfield back to Port Moresby and returned to duty. Later, Shifflet went Missing In Action (MIA) on March 3, 1943 piloting P-38G Lightning 42-12715 during the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. References NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Fred B. Shifflet 39th Fighter Squadron Diary - October 14-15, 1942 14 October 1942 - Eight four-ship patrol over Wanigila [sic]. No enemy sightings. Lt [Fred T.] Shifflet down with one engine out and the other smoking. Not located so far. 15 October 1942 - Shifflet reported picked up by ship McLeron [Maclaren] King, slightly injured. On way back by air. Three four-ship patrol over Wanigola. [sic]" AWM "2nd Australian Imperial Force and Commonwealth Military Forces unit war diaries, 1939-45 war - 2/10 Infantry battalion July - December 1942 - October 14, 1942 (AWM: AWM52 8/3/10/24 - July - December 1942) "14 [October 1942] 1745 McLaren [Maclaren] King anchors at Wanigela with 12 engineers and equipment. A [2/10 Infantry Battalion] coy commences unloading at 1800 hrs. McLaren King also rescued flying officer [1st Lt. Shifflet] who had been forced down in sea - plane Lockheed Lightning unsalvageable - pilot hurt and brought to Bn RAP." American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) Fred B. Shifflet Jr. FindAGrave - Lieut Fred Burnam Shifflet, Jr. (photos, memorial photo) Thanks to Edward Rogers for additional research and analysis Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated
|
 P-38 |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
