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| USN USS Essex CV-9 AG-15 VB-15  USN 1942 |
Pilot Lt. Henry H. Kramer, 0-116182 USNR (MIA / KIA) Scottsbluff, NB Crashed September 8, 1944 Aircraft History Built by Grumman as Model G-50 in Bethpage, New York. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as F6F-5 Hellcat bureau number 42616. Wartime History Assigned to USS Essex (CV-9), Air Group 15 (AG-15), Bombing Squadron 15 (VB-15). No known nickname or nose art. Mission History On September 8, 1944 took off from USS Essex (CV-9) piloted by Lt. Henry H. Kramer on a mission over Palau (Belau). This plane was apparently hit by anti-aircraft fire and a fire started on the left stub wing that enveloped the fuselage and cockpit area. This Hellcat went into a spin and the pilot was unable to bail out and crashed into the sea southwest of Peleliu (Beliliou). When this plane failed to return, listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Memorials Kramer was officially declared dead the day of the mission. He is memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing. References Previously, Kramer was an SBD Dauntless dive bomber pilot with Bombing Squadron 3 (VB-3) during 1943 and ditched SBD-3 Dauntless. Next, assigned to Bombing Squadron 15 (VB-15). On July 25, 1945 ditched SB2C-1C Helldiver 01068 out of fuel and was rescued. Navy Serial Number Search Results - F6F-3 Hellcat 42117 USN Overseas Aircraft Loss List - F6F-3 Hellcat 42616 NARA USS Essex (CV-9) First Action Report: Stalemate II 29 August - 8 September 1944 "Killed In Action - One. Kramer, Henry Harold, Lieut., A-V(N), USNR VB 15. While piloting an F6F(VFB) aircraft in operations against the enemy on 8 September 1944, plane was apparently hit by AA fire. A blaze started on the port stub wing which soon enveloped fuselage and cockpit area. Probable attempt of this officer to bail out was unsuccessful. Plane went into spin while continuing to burn furiously and crashed into the sea just southwest of the island of Peleliu. No evidence of life in wreckage area. This action was observed by Ens. H. G. Gaver, A-V(N), USNR, of VB15. Approximate time 1215 on 8 September 1944. Declared dead body was not recovered." NARA USS Essex (CV-9) War Diary September 1944 page 5 "Our combat losses: 2 TV, 2 VF, 1 VB. The two Essex VF were lost AA over targets, pilot Lt. H. H. Kramer and Ens. L. S. Hamblin lost with planes. One Essex VT returning from afternoon strike was badly damaged by AA while over target." NARA USS Essex (CV-9) War Diary September 1944 page 17 "(a) Killed In Action - One Kramer, Henry Harold, Lieut., A-V(N), USNR; VB-15. While piloting an F6F (VFB) aircraft in operation against the enemy on 8 September 199, plane was apparently hit by AA fire. A blaze started on the port stub wing which soon enveloped fuselage and cockpit area. Probable attempt of the officer to bail out was unsuccessful. Plane went into spin while continuing to burn furiously and crashed into the sea just southwest of the island of Peleliu. No evidence of life in wreckage area. This action was observed by Ens. H. C. Gaver, A-V(N), USNR, of VB15. Approximate time 1215 on 8 September 155. Declared Dead, body was not recovered." American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Henry H. Kramer FindAGrave - LT Henry Harold Kramer (photo, tablets of the missing photo) Omaha World Herald "Scottsbluff Flier Killed in Pacific" by Associated Press (AP) October 13, 1944 The York Daily News "Posthumous Award To Lt. L. H. Kramer" by Associated Press (AP) May 25, 1945 Thanks to Edward Rogers for additional research and analysis Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated March 31, 2024 |
 F6F  MIA 1 Missing |
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