USAAF
5th
AF
8th FG
35th FS
Pilot 2nd Lt. Alva Guy Hawkins, O-431877 (Zavalla, TX) survived
Force Landed May 8, 1942
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.
Lt. Hawkins was MIA following combat mission over Port Moresby on May 27, 1942 flying P-39F 41-7153.
Mission History
On May 8, 1942, he was in combat, forced to crash land on Varivari Island near Caution Bay. Hawkins survived and returned to duty.
Relatives
Scott Thomas (great cousin of Hawkins)
References
Thanks to Scott Thomas for additional information
P-39
Photos
