USN
VF-38
Pilot Lt Wayne Riley, USNR (survived)
MIA September
16, 1943
Mission
History
This Hellcat took off from Munda Airfield, as
part of the escort for 24 TBFs attacking Ballale
Island.
The escort consisted of 13 Hellcats from VF-38. Other attacking aircraft included: 31 SBD, 11 F6F Hellcats from VF-40,
in addition to other F6F, F4U, P-40, P-38's making up a total of 71 escorting
fighers.
Over the target, 40-50 intercepting Zeros and heavy anti-aircraft encountered. In the ensuing dogfights, 3 Zeros were destroyed and a probable claimed. American losses were: F4U 17127 and three F6F from VF-38 (two ditched, including F6F 25839 and this aircraft), and one Hellcat was damged, landing at Munda, then flown to Fighter One for a week of repairs.
This Hellcat ditched, pilot Riley was rescused (details unknown).
NOTE: Ted Darcy notes this loss did not happen.
F6F
MIA
