Hi all,
 
This question is regarding a 4FG aircraft, but may belong in the general forum.  On 11 May 1944, a 336FS P-51B (43-24771) piloted by Lt. Robert Tussey went down in the North Sea, killing Lt. Tussey.  I have checked the various sites that rpovide an index for MACR's and have not been able to locate a Missing Air Crew Report for this loss.  I have contacted the AFHRA regarding this (the range of MACR's for that day was 4515-5097), and hope to hear something soon but am not hopeful.
 
Any other ideas on tracking down this MACR?  There is no mention in the squadron history or any other publication I have concerning the 4FG.
 
I'm open for suggestions!
 
Thanks,

Tim

Hi Tim -

I was looking through Frank Speer's book, "The Debden Warbirds". 
 
On May 11, 1944, there is an entry that notes "1st. Lt. Tussey bailed out in the Channel and was picked up by ASR, but he died shortly thereafter."  
 
Further, it says " T-2010  Ops "B" called that Becky 56 (Lt. Tussey) bailed out at N-2108.  Picked up by Dover boat, seriously injured, he was taken to Ramsgate Hospital south of Manston.  Intelligence and hospital notified."

cc, he was picked up after bailing out and died in the hospital, so there wouldn't have been an MACR.

C.E. "Treize" Roman
Capt., 334th FS, 4th FG
in "Aces High" flight sim

In Memorium- Cpl. Edward Roman, 688th AMS, 4th FG

Guess you're right as he wasn't officially reported missing..
 
Regards,
 
Paul

Associate member of the Awon
http://www.awon.org/
__________________

Fighters for Victory (357th FG)

However, wouldn't there be a listing of the fate of the aircraft itself?  On the jbaugher website of aircraft serial numbers, 43-24771 is not listed.

My guess is its one of the hundreds rotting at the bottom of the Channel...

C.E. "Treize" Roman
Capt., 334th FS, 4th FG
in "Aces High" flight sim

In Memorium- Cpl. Edward Roman, 688th AMS, 4th FG

Tim-
There is an Accident report on File for Lt. Tussey.
www.accident-reports.com 1944
You can request it from AAF Archives
Mike 

Tussey was involved in a couple or three accidents but I don't think that if any of the reports relate to the 11 May one, it will add anything more to what is already known and given in this thread.  All that I can add is that the position of the bailout was 30 miles north-east of North Foreland.  Obviously he must have put out a radio message to have been picked up by air-sea rescue.

Peter

US 8th Air Force Little Friends Site
http://www.littlefriends.co.uk
Also hosting the Official Site of the
Fighting Scouts of the 8th Air Force

To all who replied, thank you very much for your input.

Susan - I have Speer's Debden Warbirds, it's a wonderful volume, but thank you for replying.   FYI - He has a new book out.  It's called One Down, One Dead. 

Treize - Makes sense that picking up the pilot would negate the need for a MACR.  I'm curious, how did the AAF account for the loss of the a/c then?  Will have to delve deeper!

Mike - Tussey's name is listed on that site but the aircraft serial is not.  I suspect it is for one or all three of the accidents in which Tussey was involved prior to his loss on operations on 11 May.  Two of the accidents resulted in the loss of John Godfrey's P-51B's;  the first on 06 April (43-6765) and the second on 26 April (42-106730).  He was also involved in an accident on 02 May (43-6997).

Peter - Never did have the location mapped out, thanks for the translation of the coordinates (N-3108).  My hope with any of the documentation regarding this loss is that the squadron code for the aircraft will be revealed.  It does appear 43-24771 was Tussey's first (and only) personal a/c.  Had he flown another for a period of time prior to the crash we might have been able to assume the code went with the new a/c, but no such luck!  If I ultimately manage to get that info, will forward to you posthaste.

Again - thanks to all for taking your time to reply to my post - it's greatly appreciated.

A bit off topic, but looking back over my posts, they look a bit rude. Sorry about that, I've been extremely angray the last week or so since work screwed me out of being able to go to GML after I'd had plans and everything set up for over a year to be able to go. Been a bit short tempered and crabby lately, and I apologize
 
<s>

C.E. "Treize" Roman
Capt., 334th FS, 4th FG
in "Aces High" flight sim

In Memorium- Cpl. Edward Roman, 688th AMS, 4th FG

Robert S. Tussey


First Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Forces
Service # O-693176
336th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group

Entered the Service from: Pennsylvania
Died: 11-May-44
Buried at: Plot E Row 5 Grave 48
Cambridge American Cemetery
Cambridge, England

Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart

Associate member of the Awon
http://www.awon.org/
__________________

Fighters for Victory (357th FG)

Thanks Paul.  Is there a site on which you can access this information about Cambridge?  I'd like to get some information on another 4th pilot.
 
Tim

Tim,
 
You might have a try at http://www.abmc.gov/home.php
 
 
Paul

Associate member of the Awon
http://www.awon.org/
__________________

Fighters for Victory (357th FG)

Paul,
 
It worked like a charm.  Thanks again for the informaiton.
 
Tim