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From its first
mission flown on August 31, 1942 to its 1,405th mission flown on May 6,
1945, the 1st FIGHTER GROUP lost 265 planes and pilots in
combat.
Of those, 168 were
documented by Missing Air Crew Reports (MACR’s) which recorded specific
identification of the pilot, aircraft and the time and estimated location
of the loss. The others were derived from John Mullins’ history of
the 1st FIGHTER GROUP, “An Escort of P-38’s” and research of
National Archives databases.
Of the 265 lost, the
War Department has recorded that 140 died in combat.
Thirteen remain as
missing in action (MIA).
Survivors include 43
who became prisoners of war (POW) and another 39 who returned to duty after
rescue or evasion. |
