Pilot 1st Lt George L. Lyon, O-011950 (MIA / KIA) MS
Shot Down February 14, 1943 "Saint Valentines Day Masacre"
Aircraft History
Built by Vought.
Mission History
One of twelve F4U Corsairs took off from Guadalcanal, as on an escort mission for nine PB4Y-1 from VB-101 on a daylight mission to bomb Japanese shipping off southern Bougainville. Also escorted by 10 P-38s of the 347th FG, 339th FS.
The PB4Ys scored hits on the Hatachi Maru and damaging another ship. Intercepted by enemy fighters and floatplanes from Shortland.
Corsair, page 30:
"Two F4U's were also lost with their pilots, Lieutenants Lyon and Stewart....only 3 Zekes were downed and one of them had collided with Lyon's Corsair..."
This Corsair was lost and the pilot listed as MIA.
References
ABMC lists the date of Lyon's death as February 14, 1944 (incorrect)
Thanks to Paul Roales for additional information
Corsair, page 30
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Last Updated
October 6, 2009
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