Killed In Action - Bud Anderson: To Fly and Fight

357th Fighter Group “Yoxford Boys”

Those who died in Europe Oct 43 – May 45.

Gone but not forgotten. We salute these brave men for their courage and sacrifice. They loved the United States of America and all that it stands for. They paid the ultimate price for our freedom. We shall be indebted to them forever.

This photo epitomizes the sacrifices made by the families and men of the 357th FG. Ellis Rogers, 363rd FS, was killed in action on 8 May 1944. Here his father receives Ellis’s personal effects and decorations. A sincere thank you to all our WWII veterans for their gallantry in action, their courage and their great service to our country!!

This quotation from Merle Olmsted, “The Eighth Air Force was, by far, the largest air strike force ever committed to battle. It faced a tough, well equipped, tenacious enemy, who fought well after the final result was no longer in doubt. Given these facts, the attrition rate of men and machines was very high. Well over 4,000 heavy bombers failed to return from missions, along with over 1,200 P-51s, the most numerous fighter airplane. Over 40,000 of the crew members were dead or missing. Of this staggering total, the 357th percentage was relatively low, compared to other fighter groups.” The 357th FG lost 78 members, two were enlisted men, one killed in an aircraft accident and the other of duty related illness. The remaining 76 were pilots. In addition, seventy 357th FG pilots went down in enemy territory of which 54 became POWs and 16 evaded capture or were interned.

(This list was compiled by Merle Olmsted. There may be some missing names. Corrections or additions are solicited. Thanks to Arie-Jan van Hees of the Fields of Honor Foundation in the Netherlands, we now have photos of everyone.)

Fletcher E. Adams, 30 May 44, KIA Shot down by ME109, murdered by civilians. P-51B, Tail number 43-12469, Southern Belle, G4-L, 362nd FS. Bleeding Sky: The Story of Captain Fletcher E Adams and the 357th Fighter Group Paperback – Illustrated, September 11, 2009by Joey Maddox (Author)
Richard A. Anderson, 13 Jan 45, Killed in training crash, United Kingdom. P-51B, Tail Number 43-6987, Satan, G4-Z, 362nd FS.
Alfred W. Bierweiler, 21 May 44, Killed in training crash, United Kingdom. P-51D, Tail number 44-11190, Lady Ovella, G4-Q, 362nd FS.
George P. Barrett, 14 Jun 1945. Killed in training. 363rd FS.
James L. Blanchard, 19 Sep 44, MIA Shot down by fighters, Arnhem. P-51D, Tail number 44-1374, Buddy Boy, G4-G, 362nd FS.
Louis Boudreaux, Unknown date. SSGT Duty related illness. 362nd FS.
Kirby N. Brown, 13 Sep 44, MIA Shot down by light flak. P-51D, Tail number 44-13698, Shady Lady, C5- , 364th FS. Murdered by German SA Officer
James W. Browning, 9 Feb 45, KIA Mid-air collision with ME262. P-51D, Tail number44-15630, Junior Miss, B6-L, 363rd FS.
Marion E. Burnett, 13 Sep 44, MIA Probably shot down by fighter. P-51D, Tail number 44-13745, Hi Phyl, B6-C, 363rd FS.
Charles O. Campbell, 17 Aug 44, Killed in training crash, United Kingdom. P-51B, Tail number 43-6999, B6- , 363rd FS.
Darwin J. Carroll, 22 Feb 44, MIA cause unknown. P-51B, Tail number 43-6576, C5- , 364th FS.
Harold D. Chandler, 30 Dec 44, KIA cause unknown. P-51D, Tail number 44-13719, Pitter Pat, G4-G, 362nd FS. Photo thanks to Arie-Jan van Hees of the Fields of Honor Foundation
John K. Childs, 10 Jun 44, KIA Hit by Lt George strafing a truck. P-51B,Tail number 43-6563, Gentleman Jim, B6-P, 363rd FS.
James E. Colburn, 14 Jun 44, KIA Shot down by fighter. P-51B, Tail number 43-24763, C5- , 364th FS.
Frank J. Connaghan, 24 Apr 44, KIA Collision with ME 110. P-51B, Tail number 43-7176, G4-I, 362nd FS.
Walter E. Corby, 27 Jan 45, Killed in AT-6 Crash with Sgt Schuneman, United Kingdom. Tail number 42-84593, 363rd FS.
Warren B. Corwin, 8 Nov 44, KIA Shot down by ME 262, P-51B, Tail number 43-12227, Baby Mike, G4-V, 362nd FS.
Matthew Crawford, 2 Mar 45, KIA Shot down by Flak, P-51D, Tail number 44-15161, B6- , 363rd FS.
Herman H. Delager, 19 Jun 45, MIA Vanished on final into base, over water. P-51D, Tail number 44-63658, Blind Date, G4-T, 362nd FS.
John H. Denesha, 7 Jun 44, MIA Flak, P-51B, Tail number 42-106652, C5- , 364th FS.
Warren J. Doranski, 8 Nov 44, MIA Engine failure over English Channel. No MACR located. 363rd FS.
Hubert I. Egenes, 28 Mar 44, KIA, Squadron CO, Shot down by light flak. P-51B, Tail number 43-6794, G4- , 2362nd FS.
Ralph E. Eisert, 27 Feb 45, Killed in training with Hoffman near base. P-51B, Tail number 42-106447, C5-X, 364th FS.
Robert J. Fandray, 18 Sep 44, KIA Shot down by fighter. P51D, Tail number 44-13543, Just Right, C5-A, 364th FS.
Donald J. Ferron, 10 Aug 44, KIA Collision with Simpson. P-51B, Tail number 42-106696, B6- , 363rd FS.
Robert S. Fifield, 3 May 45, Killed in training, collision with RAF Mustang. P-51D, Tail number 42-63710, B6- , 363rd FS.
Daniel L. Finley, 30 Jul 44, Died. Engine failure, died in Prison Camp. P-51B, Tail number 42-106843, Round Trip Jr, C5-A, 364th FS.
Sam C. Fuller, 18 Nov 44, KIA Engine failure, probably flak. P-51D, Tail number 44-13596, Screamin' Demon, G4-S, 364th FS.
Morris E. Gallant, 19 Jan 1945, MIA cause unknown. P-51B, Tail number 42-106721, Sergeant, C5-G, 364th FS.
William W. Gambill, 8 Mar 44, Shot down by fighter. Died from wounds from Allied Bomb. P-51C, Tail number 42-103041, Speedball Alice, B6-F, 363rd FS.
Lawrence P. Giarrizzo, 2 Nov 44, KIA Wing failure. P-51D, Tail number 44-13735, U've Had It, G4-H, 362nd FS.
Jacob F. Giel, 3 Apr 45, Hit by drop tank from P-51 over English Channel. P-51D, Tail number 44-14682, Winnie Gal, G4- , 362nd FS.
William T. Gilbert, 24 Dec 44, KIA Air battle with FW 190. Both Pilots Killed. P-51D, Tail number 44-15620, G4-A, 362nd FS.
Kenneth F. Graeff, 15 Sep 44, MIA Vanished climbing through overcast. P-51B, Tail number 43-24842, $Blackpool Bat, B6-E, 363rd FS. Photo thanks to Arie-Jan van Hees of the Fields of Honor Foundation
Santiago R. Gutierrez, 29 Mar 44, MIA Collided with McGinley in overcast. P-51B, Tail number 43-7052, B6- , 363rd FS.
Wendell D. Helwig, 24 Dec 44, KIA Collision with 55FG P-51. Lt Kit Mix also killed. P-51D, Tail number 44-13923, Big Beautiful Doll, B6-O, 363rd FS.
Roger A. Hilstad, 12 May 44, KIA Shot down by fighter. P-51B, Tail number 43-6634, Nooky Booky, G4-C, 362nd FS.
Edwin W. Hiro, 18 Sep 44, Squadron CO, KIA Shot down by fighter. P-51D, Tail number 44-13518, Horses Itch, B6-D, 363rd FS.
Robert R. Hoffman, 27 Feb 45, Killed in training. Collision with Eisert near Leiston. P-51B, Tail number 43-24766, C5- , 364th FS. Photo thanks to Arie-Jan van Hees of the Fields of Honor Foundation
Paul E. Holmberg, 30 Jul 44, KIA Aircraft exploded for unknown reason while firing on an ME-109. P-51B, Tail number 43-6727, G4-J, 362nd FS.
Lloyd M. Hubbard, 8 Feb 44, KIA Flak while flying with 354FG. Tail number 43-12368, 363rd FS.
Joseph M. Jenkins, 24 May 44, KIA Flak. P-51C, Tail number 42-103389, C5- , 364th FS.
Otto D. Jenkins, 24 Mar 44, KIA Killed in crash on mission return. P-51D, Tail number 44-63199, Toolin' Fools Revenge, G4-X, 362nd FS.
Holsey C. Johnson Jr., 10 Feb 45, Killed in training crash, cause unknown. P-51B, Tail number 42-106654, G4-M, 362nd FS.
Frank Koka, 7 Jul 44, KIA Shot down by enemy fighter. P-51B, Tail number 43-6858, Star Eyes, B6-R, 363rd FS.
James W. Leek, 28 Sep 44, Killed in training crash, United Kingdom. P-51B, Tail number 43-6971, C5-U, 364th FS. Photo thanks to Arie-Jan van Hees of the Fields of Honor Foundation
Arthur M. Lingo, 11 Apr 44, MIA Probably shot down by fighter. P-51B, Tail number 43-12122, G4-M, 362nd FS.
Patrick J. Mallione, 2 Mar 45, KIA Unknown reasons. P-51D, Tail number 44-14888, Melody's Answer, B6-Y, 363rd FS.
Frederick C. McCall, 10 Jan 45, KIA Shot down by Flak. Tail number 44-15026, 364th FS.
William R. McGinley, 29 Mar 44, MIA Collision with Gutierrez. P-51D, Tail number 43-6628, Cathie Mae (L) Karger's Dollie (R), C5-U, 364th FS.
William H. Mooney, 24 Dec 44, KIA Shot down by fighter. P-51D, Tail number 44-11198, Libby B, G4-X, 362nd FS.
Alva C. Murphy, 2 Mar 45, KIA Shot down by Flak. P-51D, Tail number 44-63765, C5-? , 364th FS.
Louis E. Nowlin, 15 Sep 44, MIA Collison with Graeff. P-51B, Tail number 42-106783, Flying Panther, B6-L, 363rd FS.
Davis T. Perron, 1 Apr 45, MIA Vanished in bad weather near Rydberg. P-51B, Tail number 43-6792, Little Bitch, G4- , 362nd FS.
Walter H Perry, 23 Dec 44, KIA Wing Failure during combat maneuvers. P-51K, Tail number 44-1689, Toolin' Fools Revenge, G4-X, 362nd FS.
Joesph F. Pierce, 21 May 44, KIA Shot down by Flak. P-51B, Tail number 43-6429, B6-R, 363rd FS.
Dean W. Post, 27 May 44, KIA Probably collision with Harris. P-51B, Tail number 42-106632, C5- , 364th FS. Lt. Dean N. Post Jr. (1921 – May 27, 1944) Written by Christian Bates
Alvin F. Pyeatt, 16 Mar 44, KIA Shot down by fighter. P-51B, Tail number 43-6960, Scrappy, G4-S, 362nd FS.
William C. Reese, 364th FS, 21 May 44, KIA Shot down by Flak. P-51B, Tail number 43-12313, Bear River Betsy,C5-F, 364th FS.
Ellis A. Rogers, 8 May 44, KIA Wing failure. P-51B, Tail number 42-106793, B6- , 363rd FS.
Horace M. Roycroft, 18 Oct 44, KIA, Lost in bad weather. P-51D, Tail number 44-13897, Glamorous Glenn II, B6-Y, 363rd FS.Photo thanks to Arie-Jan van Hees of the Fields of Honor Foundation
Leroy A. Ruder, 6 Jun 44, KIA Engine Failure. P-51B, Tail number 42-10678, Linda Lu, C5-X, 364th FS.
Elmer D. Ryberg, 1 Apr 44, MIA Lost with Perron in bad weather. P-51B, Tail number 43-6629, Kipper, G4- , 362nd FS.
Robert L. Schlieker, 13 Jan 45, KIA Killed in crash on mission return. P-51D, Tail number 44-14245, Floogie II, G4-P, 362nd FS.
Melvin Schuneman, 27 Jan 45, SSGT, Killed in crash of AT-6 with Corby. Tail number 42-84593, 363rd FS.
Edward K. Simpson, 14 Aug 44, KIA Collison with Ferron, killed in action with French Underground. P-51D, Tail number 44-13712, Reluctant Rebel, B6-V, 363rd FS.
Donovan D. Siverts, 9 May 44, KIA Shot down by fighter. P-51B, Tail number 43-6427, B6-X, 363rd FS.
Irving A. Smith, 6 Jun 44, KIA Unknown. Vanished on D-Day. P-51B, Tail number 43-6947, B6- , 363rd FS.
Richard C. Smith, 29 Jun 44, KIA Cause unknown. P-51B, Tail number 43-6974, Mr Period, C5-K, 364th FS.
Manual K. Soo, 29 May 1945, Killed in training crash, P-51D, Tail number 44-13578, C5-H/
James E. Strode, 27 Mar 44, KIA Unknown. P-51B, Tail number 43-6978, C5-? , 364th FS.
Lt Edwin R. Sutton, 29 Mar 1944, KIA, P-51B, Tail number, 42-6454, C5-?, 364th FS MACR 3448
Richard W. Taylor, 23 Feb 45, KIA Weather crash. P-51D, Tail number 44-14768, B6- , 363rd FS. Research by Bob Taylor and Paul Patist shows reason for the crash may have been medical.
William B. Thompson, 16 Jan 45, KIA Weather crash, United Kingdom. P-51D, Tail number 44-63220, B6-V , 363rd FS.
James A. Valkwitch, 13 Sep 44, KIA Shot down by fighter. P-51B, Tail number 42-106473, Geronimo, G4-N, 362nd FS.
Konstantin J. Vogel, 18 Mar 44, KIA Shot down by fighter. P-51B, Tail number 43-12442, G4-H , 362nd FS. MACR 3109
Jack R. Warren, 18 Mar 44, MIA Vanished in bad weather. P-51B, Tail number 43-12124, C5-F, 364th FS.
Robert Wiser, 16 Nov 44 Unknown, KIA Weather crash in United Kingdom, P-51D, Tail number 44-14549, C5- , 364th FS.

357th FG Fatalities in the United States during Training

Capt. Varian White, 364th FS Commander

Virgil Wyss

Gail Palmer

Joseph Osborn

Fenemore Saxton

Hal Plummer

Ralph Sullivan

Lyle Maher

Clay Davis

Harold Mickelson

Donald Soens

Donald Steger

Bryce Van Cott

Photos of Grave Markers provided by Paul Patist. Lingo’s name is on the Wall of the Missing at the Netherlands American Cemetery Margraten. Paul has adopted the graves of Carroll, Gilbert and Hubbard, all of which are located at Margraten and the grave of Rogers is at the Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial in Belgium. The graves of Burnett, Reese and Siverts are also at Ardennes. Eddie Simpson’s marker is at Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial, France. (Click on the photo to enlarge)