Major Frank M. ROSS

Hi,

I'm French and I search all information about Major Frank M. ROSS. April 11, 1944 shot down by flak at Nouvoitou (small village near Rennes, Brittany, France). He flew on the aircraft 42-76498 P-47D-20-RE, and was part of the 358th Fighter Group, 366th Fighter Squadron. I'd like to know the purpose of his mission that day, and other more personal information about it (date and place of birth, names of his parents, he was married?, if he had children and I Research also a photo of him).

I seek this information because we'd erected a commemorative monument to his memory at the place where his plane was crasch.

I apologize if I am not the right forum, thank you or told me I could find.

Excuse me also for my bad English.

Thank you in advance

Eric

Bonjour Eric,
Major Frank M. Ross wasn't in the 366th Fighter Squadron , but in the 365th . He had been in the squadron since it was formed in Richmond, Virginia, January 1, 1943.
About the 11 April mission, here is that I have from the book " THe 365th Fighter Squadron in ww II " by Ken Miller.
Mission #51. Lt Col. Wells led a dive-bombing mission from 1650 to 1957. First target was the airfield at Gael, with hangars, buildings, and runways were hit. Next was the field at Rennes, where hangars, gun emplacements, and the control tower were damaged, but the 367th lost a pilot to flak. The 365th then flew to the base at St-Jacques and ran into heavy ground fire. Major Frank M. Ross was killed when his P-47 crashed near the field after being damaged by flak, while Capt. John W. Dickson's aircraft exploded over the field after a direct flak hit. Lt. Gsell's ship was also badly damaged, but he managed to make a successful crash-landing after returning to England. To finish the mission off, a pair of 365th pilots caught a Ju 88 on the deck near Mordelles and shot it down.
I have 2 pictures of Maj. Ross and a another one of Capt. Dickson.
I'll send them in a PM if you are interested.
Jean-Luc

Could you send me photos of Major Ross?  I give local tours of WWII heroes. I have photos and newspaper articles about him that I can send you. He was from Smyrna, Delaware and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.