USMC
MAG 12
VMF-215
"Fighting Corsairs"
Pilot 1st Lt. E. B. Cochran (MIA)
Shot Down April 29, 1944
Aircraft History
Built by Goodyear.
Mission History
Took off from Piva, led by Major James K. Dill. Dill and his three Corsair's mission were to strafe any targets of opportunity around Rabaul. One of the corsairs developed engine problems and was told by Dills to return to base with another plane for cover, leaving only Major Dill and his wingman Lt. Cochran to proceed.
Cochran radioed that there were two ships ahead. Climbing to 6000 feet above AA fire the two planes started to dive on the targets, Dill later saying, "there was no recognition signals of any kind." After strafing once and then circling once, Dills did not see his Lt. Cochran again. Major Dill then returned to Green Island, "Ordering immediate Attack!" on enemy gunboats.
Accidentally attacked two PT-Boats: PT-347 and PT-346 three miles inside the enemy demarkation line off New Britain. Shot down by the PT Boats return fire.
F4U
MIA
