339th Fighter Squadron (339th FS) "Sunsetters"
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF), 13th Air Force (13th AF), 347th Fighter Group (347th FG)
Background
On September 29, 1942 the 339th Fighter Squadron (339th FS) was constituted in the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF). On October 3, 1942 assigned to the 347th Fighter Group (347th FG) equipped with the P-38 Lightning on New Caledonia in the South Pacific (SoPAC). The squadron is most famous for their role in the "Yamamoto Mission".
Wartime History
On October 5, 1942 eight pilots from the 70th Fighter Squadron (70th FS) including Captain John W. Mitchell were detached for service on Guadalcanal as part of a detachment from the 339th Fighter Squadron.
During November 1942 Major John W. Mitchell became the Commanding Officer (C.O.) and the squadron equipped with the P-38G Lightning, the first squadron in the South Pacific (SOPA) to operate the twin engine fighter. The first unofficial nickname was the "Sunsetters" (also spelled "Sun Setters") because of their success in destroying Japanese aircraft. The unofficial nickname was "Gremlins" with the motif of a Gremlin creature holding a mace standing atop two eagles in flight.
On December 15, 1942
five P-38G Lightnings led by Captain William C. Sharpsteen to escort SBD Dauntless dive bombers over Munda. Returning from the mission, P-38G Lightning ditched and 2nd Lt. Eugene D. Woods was observed in his life vest but was never located again and was listed as Missing In Action (MIA).
On January 5, 1943 six P-38G Lightnings led by Major John W. Mitchell took off
from Fighter 2 (Kukum) on Guadalcanal flying in two elements of three P-38s each on an escort mission above and behind B-17 Flying Fortresses from the 11th Bombardment Group (11th BG) on a bombing mission against a Japanese "cruiser" off Buin and Tonolei Harbor on the southern coast of Bougainville and off Shortland Island. Over the target, they are intercepted by what the U.S. side claimed were twenty-five A6M Zeros and float biplanes and claimed three shot down. In fact, the Japanese force included two A6M2-N Rufes from 802 Kōkūtai (802 Air Group), six A6M Zeros from 204 Kokutai (204 Air Group) plus F1M2 Petes from the 11th Seaplane Tender Division. The U.S. claimed three Japanese aircraft shot down and lost two Lightnings: P-38G pilot Hilken (MIA) and P-38G pilot Dinn (MIA).
On February 13, 1943 six P-38G Lightnings took off from
Fighter 2 (Kukum) on Guadalcanal on an escort mission for six B-24 Liberators from 307th Bombardment Group (307th BG), 424th Bombardment Squadron (424th BS) flying in two waves for a bombing missions against Japanese ships in the Shortland to Buin area. The escort also included seven P-40F Warhawks from the 44th Fighter Squadron. The weather was good with clear visibility. Inbound to the target, two P-38s and three P-40s aborted the mission and returned to Guadalcanal, leaving four P-38s and seven P-40s to escort the bombers. Over the target area, the B-24s were attacked by 30 A6M Zeros and 15 float-equipped fighters (A6M2-N Rufes), with heavy flak fired by naval vessels below. Lost is P-38G pilot Rist (MIA), P-38G pilot Morton (rescued), P-38G pilot Lockridge (rescued) and P-38G pilot Cramer (rescued).
"Saint Valentines Day Massacre"
On February 14, 1943 ten P-38G Lightnings took off from
Fighter 2 (Kukum) on Guadalcanal on an escort mission for
nine PB4Y-1 Liberators. Lost is P-38G pilot White (MIA), P-38G pilot Finkenstein (MIA), P-38G pilot Huey (POW/MIA) and P-38G pilot Mulvey (rescued). Due to the severe American losses, this mission became known as the "Saint Valentines Day Massacre".
On February 23, 1943 officially redesignated the 339th Fighter Squadron (Twin Engine).
On March 29, 1943 eight P-38G Lightnings led by Captain Thomas G. Lanphier, Jr. with eight F4U Corsairs from Marine Fighting Squadron 124 (VMF-124) on a fighter sweep over Shortland Harbor and strafed floatplanes. Departing, P-38G "Daisy 2nd" Nose 125 pilot 1st Lt Rex G. Barber strafed a "destroyer" [sic Subchaser CH-28] and during the strafing run collided with the mast that damaged the left outer wing at the edge of the U.S. Star insignia. Despite the damage, Barber was able to maintain control and landed safely.
On April 1, 1943 P-38G Lightnings took off from Fighter 2 (Kukum) on Guadalcanal on an intercept mission. Lost is P-38G pilot Young (rescued).
"Yamamoto Mission"
On April 18, 1943 P-38G Lightnings took off from Fighter 2 (Kukum) on Guadalcanal on the "Yamamoto Mission" led by Major John W. Mitchell flying with drop tanks over the open ocean at low altitude to minimize the chance of being spotted and made three course changes at specific times to reach the interception point over southern Bougainville. The formation was divided into two groups: one to provide cover and the killer group to attack the bombers. The P-38s intercepted and shot down G4M1 Betty 2656 Tail 323 with passenger Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto and G4M1 Betty Tail 326 with passenger Vice-Admiral Matome Ugaki. The U.S. pilots incorrectly claimed three bombers and escorting Zeros shot down. In fact, only the two bombers were shot down and no escorting Zeros were lost. Lost is P-38G pilot Hine (MIA).
Postwar, Japanese, U.S. and veteran interviews and crash site investigation revealed
that P-38G 43-2238 Nose 122 pilot Captain Thomas G. Lanphier, Jr. (70th FS) likely fired on G4M1 Betty Tail 326 and saw the crash of G4M1 Betty 2656 Tail 323 that was shot down by P-38G "Miss Virginia" 43-2264 Nose 147 pilot 1st Lt. Rex T. Barber (339th FS). Despite this evidence presented postwar, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) has never revised the official aerial victory claims for the "Yamamoto Mission".
On July 3, 1943 took off on an escort mission over Rendova Island. Lost was P-38G Lightning 42-13500 pilot 2nd Robert N. Sylvester (MIA).
On July 14, 1943 the squadron took off from Fighter 2 (Kukum) on Guadalcanal on a cover mission bound for Rendova Island but experienced bad weather. Lost is P-39N Airacobra 42-18258 pilot 1st Lt. Morris R. Pace
(MIA) and P-39N 42-18260 pilot Daniel R. Wolterding (MIA).
On July 17, 1943 P-38 Lightnings took off from Fighter 2 (Kukum) on Guadalcanal on a mission to escort B-24 Liberators over Kahili Airfield on southern Bougainville. Over the target at 20,000', the formation was intercepted by Japanese fighters. Lost is P-38G 42-13361 pilot 1st James W. Hoyle (MIA) and P-38G "Matilda" 43-2206 pilot 2nd Lt. Benjamin H. King (rescued)
On August 20, 1943 officially redesignated 339th Fighter Squadron, Two Engine.
On September 23, 1943 P-38 Lightnings from the squadron escort bombers on a mission over Kahili Airfield on southern Bougainville.
On September 30, 1943 P-38 Lightnings from the squadron escort bombers on a mission over Kahili Airfield on southern Bougainville. Lost is P-38H 42-66864 pilot 2nd Lt. Victor H. Whistler (MIA).
On October 19, 1943 thirteen P-38 Lightning from the squadron escort twenty-four B-24 Liberators on a bombing mission against Kara Airfield on Bougainville. Returning, P-38H 42-66626 pilot 1st Lt. James L. Eubanks (MIA) and P-38H 42-66888 pilot 2nd Lt George D. Richards (MIA) suffered an aerial collision with both lost.
On December 29, 1943 the squadron moves from New Caledonia back to Guadalcanal.
On January 7, 1944 lost is P-38H Lightning 42-66671 pilot 2nd Lt. Webster L. Kincaid, Jr. (KIA) crashed after take off.
On
January 15, 1944 the squadron moves to Stirling Airfield on Stirling Island.
On January 17, 1944 the squadron took off took off from Stirling Airfield on a mission to escort bombers over Rabaul. Lost is P-38J 42-67179 pilot 2nd Lt. Charles E. Black (MIA), P-38H 42-66680 pilot 1st Lt. Gifford G. Brown (MIA), P-38H 42-66897 pilot 1st Lt. Glen E. Hart (survived), P-38J 42-67171 pilot 2nd Lt. John E. Langen (MIA).
On January 20, 1944 the squadron took off on a bomber escort mission over Rabaul. Lost is P-38J "Hollywood Hep Cat" 42-67618 pilot 2nd Lt Dwight M. Kelly (MIA).
On January 22, 1944 the squadron took off on a bomber escort mission over Rabaul. Lost is P-38 Lightning pilot 2nd Lt. Studley (rescued).
On January 28, 1944 the squadron took off took off from Stirling Airfield on a mission to escort bombers over Rabaul. Lost is P-38J 42-67783 pilot 2nd Lt. Kenneth I. McCloud ditched and rescued nine days later on February 6, 1944.
On June 15, 1944 became part of the Far East Air Force (FEAF) when the 5th Air Force (5th AF) and 13th Air Force (13th AF) were combined until the end of the Pacific War.
On August 15, 1944 the squadron moves to Sansapor Airfield on Sansapor Island.
On September 19, 1944 the squadron moves to Middleburg Airfield on Middleburg Island.
On February 13, 1945 the squadron moves to Wama Airfield on Morotai Island. On February 22, 1945 the ground echelon of the squadron moves to San Jose Airfield (McGuire Drome) on Mindoro Island.
On March 6, 1945 the squadron moves to Puerto Princesa Airfield on Palawan Island. By March 25, 1945 the entire squadron is operating from Puerto Princesa Airfield until the end of the Pacific War.
On June 16, 1945 lost is C-47A Skytrain 43-30746 pilot
2nd Lt. Richard J. Lawson (KIA) on a flight from Biak bound for Nadzab with crew and passengers from the squadron and crashed near Maikisung on the Huon Peninsula of New Guinea.
Postwar
On December 30, 1945 moves to Camp Stoneman in California until January 1, 1946. On August 25, 1946 assigned to the 13th Air Force (13th AF) at Fort William McKinley near Manila on Luzon in the Philippines. On December 15, 1946 moves to Johnson AFB in Japan. On February 20, 1947 assigned to the 347th Fighter Group (347th FG) operating the P-61 Black Widow. On September 18, 1947 becomes part of the U.S. Air Force (USAF).
On July 1, 1949 attached to 35th Fighter Wing (35th FW) operating the F-82 Twin Mustang. On April 1, 1950 redesignated 339th Fighter-All Weather Squadron and moves to Yokota Airfield near Tokyo. On June 24, 1950 assigned to 5th Air Force (5th AF). On August 4, 1950 moves to Johnson AFB. On December 1, 1950 assigned to 314th Air Division, attached to 6162nd Air Base Wing. On May 25, 1951 assigned to 35th Fighter-Interceptor Wing (35th FIW) operating the F-94 Starfire. On March 1, 1952 assigned to Air Defense Force. On July 20, 1954 moves to Chitose Airfield attached to 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing (49th FBW). During 1953, begins operating the F-80. On September 1, 1954 assigned to 5th Air Force (5th AF). On September 18, 1954 attached to 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing (4th FIW). On March 1, 1955 assigned to 39th Air Division operating the F-86 Sabre.
Awards
Distinguished Unit Citation (November 7, 20 and 22, 1944 Netherlands East Indies)
Philippine Presidential Unit Citation
339th Fighter Squadron Commanding Officers (C. O.)
Major John W. Mitchell November 1942
References
347th Fighter Group Advanced Echelon APO 709 "Preliminary Intelligence Summary of Operations of Army Fighter Planes at Cactus - December 1, 1942 to February 17, 1943" February 21, 1943 pages 1-3
Guadalcanal and the Origins of the 13th Air Force page 182, 240 [PDF] via Wayback Machine May 20, 2006
History of Marine Corps Aviation in World War II (1952) by Robert Sherrod page 135 (February 14, 1943)
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force World War II (1982) pages 420 (339th Fighter) [PDF pages 432]
13th Fighter Command In World War II (2004) by William Wolf
Operation KE (2012) by Roger & Dennis Letourneau pages 32-33 (P-38G Lightning, 339th arrives Guadalcanal), 86 (January 5, 1943)
Thanks to James Lansdale, Edward Rogers and Justin Taylan for additional research and analysis
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