Wynans "Flip" E. Frankfort
348th Fighter Group (348th FG), 342nd Fighter Squadron (342nd FS) "Scourgers"
P-47 Thunderbolt pilot Missing In Action (MIA)

Background
Wynans Ellis Frankfort was born April 23, 1923 to parents Harry McQuade Frankfort and Elise Ellis Frankfort in Franklin, VA. Nicknamed "Flip". He attended one year of college and worked as a laundresses in the family business.

Wartime History
On March 17, 1942 enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as a private with serial number 13062103. After pilot training, he earned his wings and was commissioned and a 2nd Lieutenant with serial number O-797812. Sent overseas to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA). Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 348th Fighter Group (348th FG), 342nd Fighter Squadron (342nd FS) "Scourgers" as a P-47D Thunderbolt pilot.

On October 22, 1943 took off from Tsili Tsili Airfield piloting P-47D Thunderbolt 42-22497 on a mission to escort B-25 Mitchells over Wewak. The weather was heavy cloud cover and overcast at 10,000' enroute with heavy storms over the target area. Returning from the mission, Frankfort became lost and bailed out over the Fly River area.

On February 15, 1944 took off piloting a P-47D Thunderbolt on an escort mission over Kavieng. He returned with damage to his tail section. Before he went missing, Frankfort amassed 400 hours of combat flying, and was credited with 2.5 aerial victories plus one probable over Cape Gloucester.

On May 27, 1944 took off from Wakde Airfield piloting P-47D Thunderbolt 42-75940 on a patrol mission over on southern Biak. During the patrol, several Japanese aircraft were observed attacking the U.S. beachhead area at Bosnik (Bosnek) and the P-47s dove dove to intercept. During the air combat, Frankfort chase a Ki-43 Oscar inland but crashed into the ground and exploded. The Ki-43 Oscar he was attacking would have been his third aerial victory claim. When he failed to return from the mission, Frankfort was declared Missing In Action (MIA).

Memorials
Frankfort was officially declared dead on February 16, 1946. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, posthumously. Frankfort is memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing. After he was identified, a rosette was added next to his name indicated he was accounted-for. After the recovery of his remains, Frankfort was buried in 1995 at Poplar Spring Cemetery in Franklin City, VA. Among those who attended his funeral was his older brother, Philip Frankfort.

Silver Star Award
Frankfort was recommended for a Silver Star Medal for role on February 15, 1944 escort mission over Kavieng. The medal was approved, but he went Missing In Action (MIA) before it was presented and until his file was reviewed by TAPC after the recovery of his remains. No one in his family knew of the recommendation. His brother, Philip Frankfort asked to go to Fort Eustis, Virginia to receive the Silver Star on behalf of his brother.

Relatives
Philip Frankfort (brother)

References
NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Wynans E. Frankfort
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Wynans E. Frankfort
FindAGrave - Lieut Wynans Ellis Frankfort (grave photos)
FindAGrave - 1Lt Wynans E Frankfort (tablets of the missing)
342nd Fighter Squadron, page 73
Associated Press (AP): "Ring belonged to WWII fighter pilot returned" August 12, 1996