USN
VMF-112
D
Letourneau 1999
Pilot S/Sgt James A. Feliton
Crashed January 31, 1943
Mission History
One of six Wildcats that participated in an escort mission
to attack the Japanese ship Toa
Maru 2. Two of the Wildcats had to return with mechanical problems
while the rest of the planes continued forward. These planes were led
by Lt James Secrest, with other planes under the command of Lt
Jefferson DeBlanc, Lt Lynch, Let Maas, Lt Hughes and SSgt James
Feliton.
Shot Down
Last seen attacking one of DeBlanc's
attackers. Feliton's plane crash landed in the jungle on Kolombangara
Island and he landed there as well after parachuting, hit into a mammoth tree and was badly shaken up when he fell to the ground. Discovered by coastwacher Josselyn's men a day later, he was rescued and brought to Reverand Silvester Villa Lavella and reunited with DeBlanc, then returned to Henderson Field.
Wreckage
Feliton's plane was identified in 1999 by Dennis Letourneau in a swampy area on Kolombangara. The plane had crashed, exploded and
burned.
Dennis Letourneau adds:
"Wreckage lies in a swampy area on the north shore of Kolombangara Island.
Evidence of the fire that burned around the wreckage is still evident on the
surrounding vegetation. Some of the original blue paint and the bureau number
were still visible."
Wildcat
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