Aircraft History
Built by Republic at the Indiana Division of Republic Aviation in Evansville, IN. Assigned to the 5th Air Force, 35th Fighter Group, 41st Fighter Squadron. Nicknamed "Claire-Doll III". When lost, engine serial number R-2600-59 serial number FF-003847. Weapon serial numbers noted in MACR.

Mission History
One of eight P-47s from the 41st Fighter Squadron that took off from Wama Airfield (Guama, Morotai) on Morotai with other P-47s from the 40th Fighter Squadron on a fighter sweep over Manggar Airfield in support of the bombing mission by B-24s of the oil refineries at Balikpapan.

Wiedmeyer was flying in the no. 4 position of "Beaver Red Flight". Before reaching the target, Wiedmeyer signaled to his element leader in the no. 3 position, 1st Lt. Walter L. Sweeny that his radio was not working or transmitting. Over the target at 10:35am at 20,000', the weather was generally clear with towering cumulus clouds north of the target up to 25,000' and light cumulus off the northeast end of Manggar.

Making "S turns" down the coast, the formation became strung out and an enemy Ki-43 Oscar was observed in front of them. Prior to his disappearance, shot a Ki-43 Oscar shot down off the tail of his element leader, 1st Lt. Walter L. Sweeny who observed another Ki-43 Oscar was on the tail of Wiedmeyer at the same moment who likely shot him down. His aircraft was last seen at approximately 1deg 13'S, 116deg 57'E by Sweeny.

Search
It was unknown if Wiedmeyer survived. Later that day a PBY Catalina searched for him but returned with nil results and he was declared Missing In Action (MIA).

Memorials
Officially declared dead on February 21, 1946. Memorialized on the tablets of the missing at Manila American Cemetery.

Relatives
Tom Wiedmeyer (nephew)

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Last Updated
January 29, 2012

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S 1 13'
E 116 57'
Aprox