Pilot Gertrude V. Tompkins (MIA / KIA)
MIA October 26, 1944
Pilot History
Tompkins was the only WASP Missing in Action from World War II.
She was married one month before her disappearance to Hollywood producer, Henry M. Silver
Mission History
Took off from Mines Field (LAX) at 15:42 on a ferry flight to Coolidge Field, Arizona. A light haze of fog was reported over Santa Monica Bay when she took off.
Searches
No search was initiated until several days after the crash , and no trace was found of her plane in searches. As late as June 8, 1994, the HQ for Air Force Safety Agency conducted a search and reported that no wreckage has been located.
During October 2009, MAST "Gertrude Tompkins Expedition" searched for her aircraft. During their searches, they located a USAF T-33 jet trainer missing since October 15, 1955.
References
MAST "The Gertrude Tompkins Expedition"
LA Times Mystery at Sea Tantalizes Searchers October 11, 2009
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Last Updated
October 11, 2009
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