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On June 7 '45 two P-38s buzzed USS Randolph (CV-15) at anchor off Leyte. One Lightning pilot cut it too close and crashed on deck, killing himself and 11 sailors.
The only thing I've found is that the '38s were on a ferry mission, so they don't show on any unit roster. For some reason the incident is not on the aviation archaeology site showing losses outside the Continental US.
Any leads?
On June 7 '45 two P-38s buzzed USS Randolph (CV-15) at anchor off Leyte. One Lightning pilot cut it too close and crashed on deck, killing himself and 11 sailors.
The only thing I've found is that the '38s were on a ferry mission, so they don't show on any unit roster. For some reason the incident is not on the aviation archaeology site showing losses outside the Continental US.
Any leads?
For some reason the incident is not on the aviation archaeology site showing losses outside the Continental US.
This crash is indeed listed on Fuller's AAIR overseas accident index at Aviation Archaeology Research and Investigation. The crash is listed as occurring at Leyte, Phillipines. It is not listed as USS Randolph. The data base lists geographic crash location in the index, not objects or ships that an airplane might have crashed into.
TonyM
a bit late but maybe interesting for you....
Section 3, War Stories by Lyle Hansen
The diving platform had been rigged and the diver was getting his hardhat bolted down when a call from Tacloban came through
mentions that p-38 crash and has a photo of the Randolph burning.
from The Don Hansen Story
My father S1C Raymond James Byard was on the arresting crew on the Randolph from commissioning until June 1946. Does anyone know what port od departure, destination of pickup in Italy, and return port the Randolph had in there 2 Magic Carpet Ride deployments in Nov and Dec 1945?On June 7 '45 two P-38s buzzed USS Randolph (CV-15) at anchor off Leyte. One Lightning pilot cut it too close and crashed on deck, killing himself and 11 sailors.
The only thing I've found is that the '38s were on a ferry mission, so they don't show on any unit roster. For some reason the incident is not on the aviation archaeology site showing losses outside the Continental US.
Any leads?
My grandfather was involved on this day. We didn't know until he passed away and my mom dropped a picture frame that held a picture of the attacks that day. (My mom has those) but before he died he wrote down his story of that day and this is first I've ever seen anyone else post about it. I can upload copies of his letter... it will give you goose bumps!!On June 7 '45 two P-38s buzzed USS Randolph (CV-15) at anchor off Leyte. One Lightning pilot cut it too close and crashed on deck, killing himself and 11 sailors.
The only thing I've found is that the '38s were on a ferry mission, so they don't show on any unit roster. For some reason the incident is not on the aviation archaeology site showing losses outside the Continental US.
Any leads?
I have my grandfather's written account from that day. He had written it down and hidden it behind a photo of the ships on fire. We found it after he passed away. I am attaching one page. I would love to one day write a book about his story and those he served with.Just joined this forum to help shed more light on this incident. The photo above is indeed from the P-38 incident. I have attached a second photo from a different angle, taken immediately after the crash. It shows the same grouping of small craft and auxiliaries, although the vessel alongside Randolph had not yet cast off. This photo was taken by Herman Schnipper, ship's photographer for USS Astoria CL-90, anchored at a berth very near Randolph. He told me that everyone was ordered below decks due to exploding ordnance, but he managed to run to his darkroom and retrieve his camera.
The list to port visible in both photos has nothing to do with the crash. The task group was in their first week at anchorage after lengthy operations off Okinawa and Japan, and they were undergoing hull painting and maintenance. (Astoria was listed port and starboard the next day to paint at the waterline.)
The F-5 pilot was Captain Lewis M. Gillespie, 8th Photographic Squadron, 6th Reconnaissance Group. From Oklahoma, he is officially listed MIA in the ABMC database because no remains were recovered.
Jimmy, your uncle Tommy's story matches with the official account in the USS Randolph war diary for June 1945. I have attached a screen grab of the relevant text as well.
-Brent
PS The Randolph enlisted muster roll for June 1945 includes a Fireman 2nd Class Edward A. Gillespie. No idea if they are related, but the name is present.
View attachment 344647
View attachment 344648