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The interspiderweb...
Sometimes you get lucky, googling a aircraft and serial number...
As it is, I need a Mk. IIb and a Mk. IId Hurricane now, couple of Malta birds coming up, the Mk. IId is North Africa..
 
P-47D-28-RA Thunderbolt Serial Number 42-28513
USAAF
5th AF
35th FG
41st FS

Pilot: Captain John Douglas Bailey, O-431101 (POW, MIA) Wayne County, MN
Crashed: December 18, 1944
MACR: 11508

Pilot History
Bailey was born in Michigan. John and his father were both named John so, everyone called John A., Jack and everyone called John D. Douglas. He attended high school in Crosby, Minnesota and enlisted in the US Army in Detroit, Michigan. During 1944, he married Lois E. Bailey who was living in New York during 1944.

On August 15, 1943 he was piloting a P-39 Airacobra over Tsili-Tsili and claimed two Japanese aircraft shot down. For his service, he earned the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

Dena Huitt, crew chief 41st Fighter Squadron adds:
"I remember Bailey. He was in the Squadron when I joined it and soon left for home. When he returned later for a second tour of duty everyone was surprised. I think it was on his first or second mission that he crashed and was seen slumped over in the cockpit. He was an excellent pilot."

Aircraft History
Built by Republic at the Indiana Division of Republic Aviation in Evansville, IN. Assigned to the 5th Air Force, 35th Fighter Group, 41st Fighter Squadron. No known nose art or nickname. When lost, engine R-2800-59 serial number FP-003908. Weapon serial numbers noted in MACR.

Mission History
Took off from Wama Airfield on Morotai on a strafing mission against Sanga Sanga Airfield on Tawi Tawi Island. Over the target, hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed a few yards from the southern end of the runway.

Wreckage
During the crash, the engine and wings broke off beyond the machine guns. The fuselage impacted intact. Orbiting above, flight leader 1st Lt Raby L. Jeanes observed Bailey in the cockpit, with his head against the instrument panel, and circled four times.

Search
On December 19th, 41st Fighter Squadron P-47s returned. They observed the P-47 wreckage, but no sign of Bailey or anyone around the airfield. The tail and center section of the fuselage had been collected and placed along side the wings. A row of 55 gallon drums had been placed alongside the wreckage. Green brush and trees were placed over all the wreckage to camouflage it from view, but the metal skin was still visible from the air. The P-47s strafed the wreckage, setting it on fire and burning fiercely.

Fates of the Pilot
Bailey was likely taken prisoner by the Japanese Army, 25th Regiment. Guarded by Katsuno, who remembered Bailey asked to send a letter to his wife to inform her that he was alive. He was allowed to write a postcard to her. Later, Katsuno was ordered to kill Bailey but instead allowed him escape. Bailey's ultimate fate and grave is unknown. He did not survive the war and is still listed as missing in action (MIA).
 

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