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| USAAF 5th AF 49th FG 9th FS |
Pilot Lt. Grover J. Gardner (survived) Crashed April 4, 1942 MACR none Aircraft History Built by Curtiss in Buffalo, New York. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as P-40E Warhawk serial number 41-5551. Disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia and reassembled. Wartime History Assigned to the 49th Fighter Group (49th FG), 9th Fighter Squadron (9th FS) "The Flying Knights". Nicknamed "Arizona" with squadron number 71. On February 27, 1942 the landing gear failed to extend, forcing it to make a belly landing. Afterwards, transported to Geelong for repairs. Afterwards, returned to the squadron. Mission History On April 4, 1942 took off piloted by Lt. Grover J. Gardner on a patrol mission. While flying over the Cox Peninsula to the west of Darwin accidentally targeted by Australian Army anti-aircraft gunfire that damaged the plane. Pilot Gardner bailed out. Fate of the Pilot Gardner landed unhurt and later returned to duty. Wreckage Bob Alford adds: "Mike Foley found the data plate in the wreckage of a P-40 lost on 4 April 1942 (41-5551, tail '74' of Lt Grover J. Gardner - baled out over Cox Peninsula after collecting friendly fire over the RAAF Station." Memorials Afterwards, Gardner flew P-38 Lightnings with the 9th Air Force (9th AF), 367th Fighter Group (367th FG), 394th Fighter Squadron (394th FS). During 1944, he was promoted to the rank of Major and became Commanding Officer (C.O.) of the squadron in France. Postwar, he joined in the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and served in the Korean War. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and passed away October 7, 1999 at age 85. He is buried at Leavenworth National Cemetery at section 47, row 11, site 49. References USAF Serial Number Search Results - P-40E Warhawk 41-5551 "5551 (CW-571, MSN 16543, 49th PG) crashed Feb 27, 1942 when left landing gear failed. Relocated to Geelong and repaired. Shot down by Australian AAA Apr 4, 1942 over Darwin, NT. Pilot bailed out." FindAGrave - Grover J Gardner (photo, grave photos, obituary) 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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