|
 |
|
|
| 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 421nd NFS |
Pilot 1st Lt. Paul R. Zimmer (survived) Dayton, OH Crashed February 29, 1944 MACR none Aircraft History Built by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation (LAC) in Burbank. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as P-38 Lightning model and serial number unknown. Disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia and reassembled. Wartime History Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF). During late February 1944, the 421st Night Fighter Squadron (421st NFS) was assigned five P-38s at Nadzab Airfield for local familiarization flights and training purposes. At least four were older P-38F Lightnings that required considerable work to keep them operational and were flown from Finschafen Airfield. No known nickname or nose art. Mission History On February 29, 1944 took off from Finschafen Airfield piloted by 1st Lt. Paul Zimmer as one of three P-38 Lightnings with 1st Lt. Dorrie E. Jones and 2nd Lt. William B. Robbins to fly top cover for the U. S. Army landing at Los Negros. This was the first combat mission of the 421st Night Fighter Squadron (421st NFS). Flying in poor weather, Robbins aborted the mission. Soon after take off, Zimmer experienced several issue with his Lightning including landing gear that would not fully retract, propeller speed indicator failure and was unable to release his drop tanks. When his right engine failed, he bail out over the Sanga River with his plane crashing two miles inland from the bank of the river. Alone, only P-38 pilot Jones reached the target area but the weather was overcast but returned safely. Flying in poor weather, Robbins aborted the mission. Soon after take off, Zimmer experienced several issues including landing gear that would not fully retract, propeller speed indicator failure and was unable to release his drop tanks. When his right engine failed, he bailed out over the Sanga River with his plane crashing two miles inland from the bank of the river. Alone, only P-38 pilot Jones reached the target area but the weather was overcast but returned safely. Fate of the Pilot Zimmer bailed out successfully but suffered a sprained ankle when he hit the ground. Afterwards, he managed to limp to a nearby road and was taken a jeep back to Finschafen Airfield. Memorials Zimmer passed away March 12, 1996 at aged 80. He is buried at Calvary Cemetery in Dayton, OH. References The 421st Night Fighter Squadron in World War II (2001) by Jeff Kolln pages 25 (P-38 assignment), 25-26 (February 29, 1944 mission) FindAGrave - Paul R Zimmer (Calvary Cemetery) 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 |
|
