Dear L-Birds,
I was recently studying the loss of this P-47 Thunderbolt
http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/p-47/42-25419.htmlThe pilot bailed out, evaded capture and linked up with other American aviators, until the group totaled 28 men.
They reached a secret US radio station, radioed HQ and were rescued by several(?) "Cubs" to rescue all of them from behind enemy lines from a runway made in a clearing and flew them to back to San Jose, Mindoro.
One other clue, a reference says this same improvised airfield was used by US Army Alamo Scouts prior to the battle of Manila. The strip they were rescued from was near Akle (Acle) village.
http://pacificwrecks.com/provinces/philippines_akle.htmlProbably, it was a US Army or USAAF unit, probably based on or operating from Mindoro Island.
Although the write describes them as Piper Cub (L-4s), the rescue aircraft could also be L-5's I would imagine.
This reference comes from the 58th Fighter Group history, page 224
http://pacificwrecks.com/reviews/58th-fighter-group.htmlDoes anyone know what unit, aircrew(s) or more about this incident?
Or, any other details about this?
Thanks,
- Justin
PacificWrecks.com