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Pilot 2nd Lt. Charles E. Erb, O-737753 (MIA / KIA) WI MIA December 30, 1943 MACR 1689 Aircraft History Built by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation (LAC) in Burbank, California. Converted from a P-38E model into a F-4-1-LO photographic reconnaissance version. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as F-4-1-LO Lightning serial number 41-2209. Disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia and reassembled. Wartime History Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group (PRG), 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (PRS). Nicknamed "Alice the Goon". Mission History On December 30, 1943 took off from 14 Mile Drome near Port Moresby piloted by 2nd Lt. Charles E. Erb on a mission over the Coral Sea. Last seen near Cape Ward Hunt heading towards Dobodura. Afterwards, this aircraft was officially condemned on February 8, 1944. Memorials Erb was officially declared dead on December 31, 1944. He earned the Purple Heart, posthumously. He is memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing. Erb also has a memorial marker at Mound Cemetery in Racine, WI at plot 9. References USAF Serial Number Search Results - F-4-1-LO Lightning 41-2209 "2209 (6th PRG, 8th PRS, "Alice the Goon") lost over Coral Sea Dec 30, 1943. MACR 1689. Pilot KIA. Salvaged Feb 8,1944" Missing Air Crew Report 1689 (MACR 1689) PNG Museum Aircraft Status Card - F-4-1 Lightning 41-2209 American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Charles E. Erb FindAGrave - 2Lt Charles E Erb (tablets of the missing) FindAGrave - 2LT Charles E. Erb (memorial marker photo) The Eight Ballers Eyes of the Fifth Air Force (1999) pages 92 (lower photo Erb), 100 (December 30, 1943), 160 (Losses In Action - Erb) In Defense of Freedom (2015) by Wolfgang W.E. Samuel chapter Byron A. Dobbs Jr. diary "31 December 1943 – We lost another pilot. The last seen of Lieutenant Erb - yesterday mornong - his plane was on fire and he was turning back but didn't make it." Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated
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