Pilot History
Hawkins attended 2 years at the University of Texas, then enlisted in the Army Air Corps at Fort Sam Houston. He attended basic training at Ryan School at Hemet, CA. Advanced training was at Stockton Field, and graduated into the class of 41I.

On December 20, 1941, he transferred to Hamilton Field, where he departed with the 49th FG, 8th FS. He went overseas on January 12, 1942 to Melbourne, Australia. On March 19, 1942 he joined the 80th FS, 8th FG. He was on detached service at Archerfield, and returned to the 80th FS in April 1942. He received orders to proceed to Port Moresby, which was led by Lt. Col. William H. Wise. He arrived in Port Moresby, on May 11, 1942, and transferred to the 35th FS on this same date.

On May 8, 1942, he was in combat, forced to crash land on Vari Vari Island, outside of Caution Bay flying P-39F 41-7188.

Mission History
Seven 35th FS P-39s took from Port Moresby on a midmorning alert to intercept an incoming raid of 15 A6M2 Zeros of the Tainan Kokutai over Port Moresby, in two formations of nine and six aircraft. Only fourteen Airacobras were in position to intercept them.

Hawkins was flying right-wing man for 2nd Lt. Hervey Carpenter. Hervey remembered seeing Hawkins charge into some clouds, and that was the last time he was seen. Reported as "last seen 5-10 miles South of Rigo."

This aircraft was officially condemned on October 31, 1944

Relatives
Scott Thomas (great cousin of Hawkins)

Scott Thomas adds:
"I have been in contact with CILHI, and also the National Museum and Art Gallery of Port Moresby. In my last conversation with CILHI, they were studying a crash site approximately 5-10 miles off shore, this is unconfirmed. PNG National Museum told me of 3 P-39 crash sties-all 3 wreckages approximately 3 hours by foot away from each other. I haven't heard anything from the National Museum since 1997. I have not heard from CILHI since over 2 years. I would like to find his crash-site to see if there is any body remains, to bring home to be buried beside his parents. His now deceased brother, Arthur Ray Hawkins, was a Navy fighter pilot, with 14 kills and 3 navy crosses. Do you know how I can find out more information about my cousin, Alva, the P-39's mentioned or the mission on May 27, 1942?"

References
Thanks to Scott Thomas and Edward Rogers for additional information.

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009

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