|  |
|
| 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 41st FS |
Pilot Captain George A. Hilbert, Jr. (survived) Baltimore, MD Crashed August 15, 1943 MACR none Aircraft History Built by Bell in Buffalo, New York. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as P-39N Airacobra serial number unknown. Disassembled and shipped overseas and reassembled. Wartime History Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 35th Fighter Group (35th FG), 41st Fighter Squadron (41st FS) "The Flying Buzzsaws". No known nose art or nickname. Mission History On August 15, 1943 took off from 7 Mile Drome near Port Moresby piloted by Captain George A. Hilbert, Jr. on a escort mission over Tsili-Tsili. Over Tsili-Tsili Airfield, the formation was intercepted by Ki-43 Oscars and this Airacobra was shot down. After bailing out, other Airacobras protected him as he descended in his parachute then landed safely in kunai grass. Rescue Later, an Australian Army patrol reached him and he returned to duty. Memorials Hilbert passed away on June 14, 1998 at age 81 in Kilmarnock, VA. He is buried at Loudon Park Cemetery in Baltimore, MD. References NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - George A. Hilbert, Jr. PNG Museum Aircraft Status Card - P-39 Airacobra piloted by Hilbert FindAGrave - George A Hilbert Jr. (grave photos) Thanks to Edward Rogers for additional information Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated August 1, 2026 |
 P-39 |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
