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| USAAF 13th AF 347th FG 339th FS |
Pilot 2nd Lt. Morris F. Wilson (survived) Des Moines, IA Crashed September 26, 1943 MACR none Aircraft History Built by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation (LAC) in Burbank. Constructors Number unknown. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as P-38 Lightning model and serial number unknown, likely P-38G or P-38H. Wartime History Assigned to the 13th Air Force (13th AF), 347th Fighter Group (347th FG), 339th Fighter Squadron (339th FS) "Sunsetters". No known nickname or markings. Mission History On September 26, 1943 took off piloted by 2nd Lt. Morris F. Wilson on his first combat mission over Kahili Airfield on southern Bougainville and was shot down near Vella LaVella. When this aircraft failed to return it was listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Fate of the Pilot In fact, Wilson was shot in his left arm but managed to land in the sea and deploy his life raft. Rescue Three days later, he was rescued and returned to duty. Memorials Wilson earned the Purple Heart for his injuries this mission. He also earned the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters. Postwar, he remained in the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and was promoted to the rank of Colonel. Wilson passed away on May 11, 1986 at age 66 and is memorialized at Massachusetts National Cemetery at M/B, site 28. References NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Morris F. Wilson Des Moines Tribune "Morris Wilson Injured in Action" October 2, 1943 page 3 "Second Lieut. Morris F. Wilson, fighter pilot, was wounded in action in the South Pacific on September 26, according to word received by his mother, Mrs. Jennie Wilson, 1429 Governor Square, from the war department. Wilson, an East High School graduate, won his wings at Luke Field, Phoenix, Ariz. He is the brother of Harold Wilson, 1216 Creston Ave." Des Moines Tribune "2 Des Moines Pilots Tell of Air Victories" March 1, 1944 page 1, 4 (Page 4) "Shot down - Twenty-five, Wilson is a graduate of East High, where he was a basketball star. He was shot down on his first trip into combat last September [26, 1943] over Vella Lavella and was reported missing in action. After drifting on a life raft three days he was rescued. In action Wilson was shot in the left arm and was decorated with the Purple Heart. In addition, he holds the air medal and three oak leaf clusters." FindAGrave - Morris Francis Wilson (memorial marker) Fold3 - Morris F Wilson 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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