|
 |
|
|
| 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 71st TRG 82nd TRS |
Aircraft History Built by North American Aviation (NAA) in Inglewood. Constructors Number 109-28005. At the factory completed with an unpainted aluminum finish. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as a P-51D-15-NA Mustang serial number 44-14873. Converted to F-6D photo reconnaissance version. Disassembled and shipped overseas to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) and reassembled. Wartime History Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group (71st TRG), 82nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (82nd TRS). No known nickname or nose art. This Mustang operated as part of a detachment from Pitu Airfield (Pitoe, Moratai). On January 1, 1945, flown via Tacloban Airfield on Leyte to Hill Field (Hammer) on Mindoro. Mission History On January 11, 1945, took off piloted by Lt. Paul Lipscomb took off from Hill Field (Hammer) as wingman for F-6D Mustang 44-14841 piloted by Captain William A. Shomo on an armed photographic and strafing mission over Tuguegarao Airfield, Aparri Airfield, and Laoag Airfield. Over northern Luzon, the pair sighted a formation of enemy planes flying south at about 2,500' below them. Despite being obviously outnumbered, they immediately pulled an "Immelmann" turn and found themselves behind 11 Ki-61 Tonys and 1 Ki-44 Tojo escorting a G4M Betty. Although the odds were 13 against 2, Major Shomo immediately ordered an attack. Accompanied by Lipscomb they closed on the enemy formation in a climbing turn and scored hits on the leading plane of the third element, which exploded in midair. Maj. Shomo then attacked the second element from the left side of the formation and shot another fighter down in flames. When the enemy formed for counterattack, Maj. Shomo moved to the other side of the formation and hit a third fighter which exploded and fell. Diving below the bomber he put a burst into its underside and it crashed and burned. Pulling up from this pass he encountered a fifth plane firing head on and destroyed it. He next dived upon the first element and shot down the lead plane; then diving to 300 feet in pursuit of another fighter he caught it with his initial burst and it crashed in flames. During this action his wingman shot down 3 planes, while the 3 remaining enemy fighters fled into a cloud bank and escaped. Maj. Shomo's extraordinary gallantry and intrepidity in attacking such a far superior force and destroying 7 enemy aircraft in one action is unparalleled in the South West Pacific Area. For his actions, Shomo earned the Medal of Honor on April 3, 1945. The ultimate fate of this Mustang is unknown, likely scrapped or otherwise disappeared. References Contribute
Information Last Updated
|
 F-6D |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
