81st Fighter Group leaders on 15 February 1943

Hello Andrew,
I've been interested in the 81st FG as my Father, Richard McClurg was a flyer in the 91st FS throughout the war.  I found this information in a small booklet, "Now it can be told" by Lester J. Lohse, 1991.  This can be ordered from Basin Printers, Inc. PO Box 1000, Williston, North Dakota 58802 (701) 572-2990.  In it Lt. Col. Lohse says that during the North African campaign, the comanding officer of the 91st FS was Jack Wertz and Lt. Col Lohse was comander of the 92nd FS. 
 
I have a great photo of the 91st FS guys taken in September, 1943 at Sidi Ahmed (Bizerte) Airdrome.  The best part is the back which lists everyone's names.  At the time of this photo they list Capt Merrigan, Capt. Malitz, and a Major Watson shown in the picture. 
 
Another great book is "Flight Surgeon" written by the 81st FG's doctor.  But I'll have to get the author and publishing info later for that one. 
 
Let me know if I can help in any way or exchange info on this era or this group. 
 
Best regards,
 
Mike McClurg
 

David -
Have you requested the Accident Report?
John E. Swanson is Listed on www.accident-report.com
They charge about a $20.00 - $25.00 Fee
You can order a Free Copy from AFHRA but it takes a lot longer
than the above source.
Have you requested his IDPF - Individual Deceased Personnel File?
Mike

David,
 
I'm basically reading everything I can from North Africa in 1943, 1944.  Everything from Churchhill's books down to personal memoirs.  Diaries are the best but it takes a bit of digging to find them.   I'm about half way through "Witness to War" a 2004 published anthology by Richard J. Aldrich.  It has snippits from a lot of diaries throughout the war years.  The best part is the Source Notes in the back which references where you might find a copy of the diaries quoted in the book.  
 
I have not run across anything about this crash but will keep my eyes open for this incident in future.  My Dad was in the 91FS throughout the entire war and flew fighter escort over "the hump" in CBI.  Although data about the North African campaign '43/'44 seems scarce I'm finding even less about the 81 FG in China. 
 
As I said, I'll put this incident on my "look for" list and let you know if I find anything. 
 
Best regards,
 
Mike McClurg

Hello Mike,
 
My apologies for taking so long to reply. Many thanks for your post, and for the information regarding those two commanding officers. I’ll have to see if I can obtain copies of the two 81st Fighter Group books you mention.
 
I’ve got a great interest in the Tunisian air war, and am always interested in finding out more about the American units involved, so would like to exchange information with you.
 
If you like, I can email you a copy of my article about the German air force attack on Thelepte airfield on the morning of 15 February 1943. The 81st FG gets mentioned a couple of times in my article. In fact, Jack Wertz, who you mention in your message, was flying a mission with some 346th FS/350th FG pilots when the German fighters strafed Thelepte airfield. Until your reply I only knew that an 81st FG pilot called Wertz was flying on this mission – but now I can identify him exactly.
 
I look forward to hearing from you. My email address is: bookie190@hotmail.com
 
All the best,
Andrew Arthy