Cool Photo Alert: LST 359 and Spitfire of 307th Fighter Squadron

While at the NARA II, College Park, yesterday and Friday, I scanned this undated Coast Guard
photo, 26-G-1992, at 600 dpi. It was undoubtedly taken in September 1943 during
the landings at Salerno.

According to the 31st Fighter Group website:

"On September 2nd the 31st moved to Milazzo, a dusty, terrible airstrip, in order to cover the landings at Salerno on the 9th. Quite a few of the Spitfires pranged trying to negotiate the poor airstrip at Milazzo. The 31st downed 6 German planes flying over the landing beaches at Salerno during the first half of September. By the 20th the situation was secure enough in Italy for the 31st to move to Monte Corvino, Italy, just five miles from Salerno."

Historical 31st FG




The pilot on this mission was CPT Virgil Fields.

The plane was forced to ditch because of engine coolant problems.

The image is resized for this forum.

CG 26-G-1992, Credit NARA.

Dave

 

I don't know why the photo is missing, but here is the link to it
on Navsource:

http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/16/160359.htm



Dave

 

The top staple looks like its flying a Japanese flag...
The Lack of Propellor damage means that it was not turning at the time of ditching...

 

That is a cool photo, Dave. Thanks for posting it. Also, good observations by CAC. I noticed the "Japanese flag", too, but you beat me to the post.