Pilot History
Alexander was killed in action piloting another F4U-1 Corsair on September 30, 1943.

Aircraft History
Built by Vought.

Mission History
Took off from the Banika Airfield on an escort mission for 24 SBDs and TBFs, rendezvousing over Munda. On the way to the target, five escorts aboarted, and then proceeding to Jakohima, a hill with anti-aircraft positions west of Kahili (Buin).

Alexander experienced a bad cylinder, but decided to press ahead anyway. When his engine began to fail, he was ordered back to base, but several A6M Zeros attacked, causing him to dive to avoid their attack. During the dive, the engine stopped, but the Zeros did not close, and he was able to restart the engine and fly with lower power settings.

He turned for Barakoma Airfield and radioed ahead that he expected to make an emergency landing, before the runway had been completed. On arrival saw construction equipment still on the runway, and was forced to land on the side of the airfield, bounced on landing and swerve around construction vehicles before hitting a ditch that caused the F4U to overturn. Ground personnel rush to the crash and assisted him out of the crushed cockpit. He was surprised one of the rescuers was Seabee Ensign from his hometown in Davenport!

Fighter Command Intelligence New Georgia Air Force VMF-214 Squadron Report:
"He still had fairly good control, kicking rudder from one side to the other, missing trucks and bulldozers. Ship then hit a big ditch and he gave up the hopes of saving it - unsnapped his buckle, got down on the floor of the cockpit and hung on. Plane overturned crushing the canopy."

Later, Alexander was flown aboard a J2F Duck back to his squadron at Banika Airfield.

Wreckage
After the crash, this F4U was written off.

References
The Black Sheep page 219-221, 226, 429
Fighter Command Intelligence New Georgia Air Force VMF-214 Squadron Report

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
October 6, 2009