Providing Escort for an Air Sea Rescue - June 13, 1944

From Nancy Rellihan

Date: Sun, 3 Dec 2006 22:55:37 ; Subject: Air Sea Rescue June 13, 1944

Good Evening,

I've been assisting a wonderful Englishman with who all the 'players' were at the Air-Sea rescue that occurred on June 13, 1944. As per the two reports that I have attached - both reports state that P-38's were flying over as the Air Crew was being rescued from the Adriatic by the British Motor Launch 1046. Could you please check your records to see if it were the planes of the 1st Fighter Group that were assisting in this endeavor?? Thanks so much your co-operation will be most welcomed!

Nancy RellihanSea Rescue Pilots 1944Rescue Adriatic 1944

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Hello Nancy--

Thank you for your inquiry. Happy to help. The attached is a copy of the 27th FS (1st FG) mission report that corresponds with the air sea rescue operation you are asking about. Of the six 27th FS pilots--Leo Lemons was KIA on 7-13-44, Burgoyne's situation is unknown, and the four others have been members of our 1st Fighter Association, but are deceased. Thanks for the photo of the fine crew of the ML 1046.

Mission ReportJim Graham Past Pres. 1st Ftr. Assoc.

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----- Original Message -----
From: Nanzjean@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 7:03 PM
Subject: Sea Rescue June 13, 1944
Hello Jim,
You were kind enough to send me the Air Sea Rescue Mission # 2, for the sea rescue of June 13, 1944, back in December. I forwarded this information to the men in England who rescued the B-24 crew men that night. I recently received their response, and they wholeheartedly would appreciate if you could check your records again, because the timing of the report # 2 and the details involved do not correspond with the information that we have. The British ML 1046 was involved in the rescue between about 15:00 ours to about 16:00 hours, and the report from the 27th Fighter Squadron details as follows:
1. Take off by 6 P-38's at 17.17 hours.
2. Arrived at rendezvous point over the Lake Lesina 17.25 hours.
3. Contacted PBY and circled the area at 1000 feet at 07.32 (probably an error should be 17.32 hrs).
4. Made search without result and returned to base at 17.51 hours.
The times and location and the attached information just don't seem to synch up with the air rescue that we are researching. Could you possible double check to see if you have any records that correspond??? I hate bothering again but I do appreciate your time and cooperation!!!
Thanks so much!
Nancy Jean Rellihan

Apparently, it wasn't the 1st Ftr. gang--------------Do any readers of this story have a clue? Was it the 14th FG or the 82nd FG ?