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As mentioned previously I have a number of P-39 Id's to research. A53-1 we now all know about and this next one is just as good, so here goes.
Applying the same method of identification to this wreck as the previous two, I set about locating any numbers that could point me in the right direction. I happened upon a set concealed inside the airframe and set about researching this. My findings indicated that this aircraft was in fact yet another "F" model (I thought these things were rare!!) and this is what I have found out about this particular Cobra to date.
P-39 Airacobra with US serial 41-7169 commenced operational flights with the 39th F/S 15-Apr-42, it was flown at this time by future WW2 Ace Lt H.A. Eason who crash landed the P-39 while operating out of 12 mile drome near Port Moresby on 21 June 1942. The aircraft appears to have been repaired then transferred to the 35th FS/8th FG where it served until struck off on 31 Oct 1944.
[i]March 3, 1943 was a very sad day for the 39th Fighter Squadron. During what became known as The Battle of the Bismarck Sea, the P-38s of the 39th Squadron were assigned the roll of “top cover” for a flight of B-17s. The bombers were “jumped” by about 30 Zeros and the 39th dove into the fray to protect them. In the ensuing aerial battle three P-38s and one B-17 did not return to their bases. Those missing from the 39th Squadron were Capt. Robert L. Faurot, Lt. Hoyt A. Eason and Lt. Fred B. Shifflet.[/i]
Eason is recorded as having 6 kills to his credit but records do not show if this was in both P-38 and P-39, I suspect it was in the P-38 only.
In addition to the sad reports above on the loss of Eason, he is still listed as MIA. Nevetheless the 35th F/S is well recorded using its P-39's in many attacks against Japanese troop inplacements and Naval barges and cargo ships along the North Coast of PNG. I have numerous books and sources that give details of 35th F/S P-39's involved in regular intense fighting against the Japanese. I would like to research this more but time restraints are making this difficult. Perhaps someone here can value add to these details.
So all I have to do is get the wartime operational history of this aircraft after Eason crash landed it and I'll have another story to write. I hope also to track down its prewar movements and that should complete the picture nicely.
I have now returned the research on A53-1 and 41-7169 to the owner and provided the feedback as received from this site and others, including details on contacting the RAAFM and Precsion to determine if any interest lays there. I have also suggested contacting local collectors to determine if a deal can be done at the local level.
(Many thanks to G Birkett for his assistance in this research)
cheers
Digger
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