Pilot History
Credited with two victories, one on November 7, 1943 and one on the day he was shot down.  He died September 2, 1981.

Mission History
Took off from Gusap Airfield to intercept Japanese Army Air Force fighters flying a sweep down the Ramu valley from Madang. Part of 'white flight' lead by Lambert this group lost sight of the other friendly fighters in the air. Linder, flying tail-end in the formation was hit by 12mm machine gun fire from a Ki-61 Tony and his plane was damaged and leaking coolant, but was forced to fight his way home, firing and scoring hits on one of the attackers.  Diving to the south, he was again attacked and hit again, wounding him in the ankle. 

His engine quit and he belly landed in the Ramu Valley on the Kunai prairie about eight miles from Gusap and one mile in from the west side of the valley, between the Eiwi and Surinam Rivers. Later inspection revealed over 100 bullet holes in the plane.

Robert Ash (brother in law) adds:
"He was given credit for destroying an enemy plane that day in a report dated 15 March 1944 from the Fifth Air Force Headquarters. It was the second plane he shot down during his time in New Guinea. "

References
Protect Avenge: The 49th Fighter Group in World War II, page 223

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009