Aircraft History
Built by Vought.

Mission History
Took off on an excort mission for nine B-24's, with an escort of 16 P-38's and 16 RNZAF 16 Squadron P-40's and 40+ US Navy F4U's to bomb Kahilli Airfield, but found it covered in clouds.

Instead they hit Ballale Airfield. Meanwhile, A6M Zeros took off from Ballale Airfield before they reached the island, and released two phosphorus bombs into the fomation. Flak over target was severe, but the bombers dropped 22 tons of bombs. Zeros attacked when the formation left the target. RNZAF made no claims and had two planes slightly damaged.

This F4U went missing.

Memorials
Nichols was declared dead the day of the mission. He is listed on the tablet of the missing at Manila American Cemetery.

References
ABMC lists the date of Nichols' death as July 31, 1943(incorrect)

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Last Updated
October 6, 2009

F4U

MIA