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| USAAF 13th AF 347th FG 339th FS   USAAF March 29, 1943  Gallman March 29, 1943 |
Pilot 1st Lt. George G. Topoll (KIA, BR) Kalamazoo County, MI Crashed April 6, 1943 MACR none Aircraft History Built by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation (LAC) in Burbank. Constructors Number 322-???? (four digits unknown). Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as P-38G-13-LO Lightning serial number 43-???? (last four digits unknown). Disassembled and shipped overseas to the South Pacific (SoPAC) and reassembled. Wartime History Assigned to the 13th Air Force (13th AF), 347th Fighter Group (347th FG), 339th Fighter Squadron (339th FS) based at Fighter 2 (Kukum) on Guadalcanal. Nose Number unknown (three digits). No known nickname or nose art. On March 29, 1943 took off from Fighter 2 (Kukum) on Guadalcanal piloted by 1st Lt. George G. Topoll (70th FS) on a mission over Shortland Harbor Seaplane Base and strafed floatplanes. Departing, strafed a "destroyer" [sic Subchaser CH-28] and during the strafing run collided with the mast that damaged the left outer wing at the edge of the U.S. Star insignia. Despite the damage, Barber was able to maintain control and landed safely. For this mission, Barber earned an oak leaf cluster for his Silver Star. Mission History On April 6, 1943 in the evening took off from Fighter 2 (Kukum) piloted by 1st Lt. George G. Topoll (70th FS) on a patrol mission but suffered an engine malfunction and while attempting to land, crashed into the sea and was killed in the crash. Recovery of Remains After the crash, his remains were recovered and buried at American Cemetery Guadalcanal (Guadalcanal Cemetery). His grave was decorated with a three bladed propeller placed into a concrete block as a memorial. The upper left blade painted with "1st Lt. G. G. Topoll 70th Fighter Squadron". The upper right blade was painted with "Dec 17, 1918 Apr. 6, 1943" Attached to the propeller hub was a cross inside a wreath. Postwar, his remains were exhumed and transported to the United States for permanent burial. Memorials Topoll was officially declared dead the day of the mission. He is buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Eastwood, MI. References NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - George G. Topoll USAF Historical Study No. 85 USAF Credits For The Destruction of Enemy Aircraft, World War II Alphabetical: Topoll, George G. page 189 (PDF page 196) 13th Fighter Command in World War II (2004) pages 94 (photo), 100 (January 14, 1943), Chapter 5 - Mission To The Shortlands by James F. Lansdale pages 123-125 (March 29, 1943), 132-133 (April 6, 1943 and funeral), 335 (index Topoll) FindAGrave - Lieut George G. Topoll (grave photos) Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated March 8, 2024
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