Background
Born in Zavalla, Texas. Hawkins attended two years at the University of Texas.
Wartime History
Enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC) at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. He attended basic training at Ryan School at Hemet, CA. Advanced training was at Stockton Field, and graduated into the class of 41I.
On December 20, 1941, he transferred to Hamilton Field, where he departed with the 49th Fighter Group, 8th Fighter Squadron. On January 12, 1942 departs overseas across the Pacific and arrives at Melbourne. On March 19, 1942 he was assigned to the 8th Fighter Group, 80th Fighter Squadron. He was placed on detached service at Archerfield Airfield, and returned to the 80th Fighter Squadron during April 1942. On May 11, 1942 he took off in a ferry flight led by Lt. Col. William H. Wise from Queensland to Port Moresby and was transfered to the 35th Fighter Squadron on the same day.
On May 8, 1942, Hawkins took off piloting P-39F Airacobra 41-7188 and engaged in aerial combat with A6M2 Zeros from the Tainan Kokutai. Damaged, he ditched off Vari Vari Island near Caution Bay and survived unhurt and returned to duty.
Missing In Action
On May 27, 1942 Hawkins went Missing In Action (MIA) piloting P-39F Airacobra 41-7153, shot down by Japanese A6M2 Zeros from the Tainan Kokutai.
Memorials
Hawkins was officially declared dead the day of the mission. He is memorialized on the tablets of the missing at Manila American Cemetery. Hawkins also has a memorial marker at Zavalla Cemetery in Zavalla, TX.
Relatives
Scott Thomas (great cousin of Hawkins)
References
NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records -
Alva G. Hawkins
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Alva G. Hawkins
FindAGrave - 2Lt Alva G Hawkins (tablets of the missing photo)
FindAGrave - Alva Guy Hawkins (memorial marker photo)
Thanks to Scott Thomas for additional information
