VMF(N)-542 - Marine Night Fighter Squadron 542

Unit Casualty List By Last Name

Unit Casualty List By Date

Marine Corps BBS

Marine Corps Command Records

Legacy Messages - 1995-1999

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Pete Zakskon wrote on August 21, 2020

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship:

Comments: DOES ANYONE RECALL ROBERT TODD?

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Brian Patterson wrote on July 28, 2017

Email Update Needed

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City and State: GLEN ST MARY FL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My grandfather passed away today. 22yrs marine Corp. He told me that he doesn't a good bit of time with this squadron and was there when a B29 came in with mechanical issues and took out several F7F's. He later went into a F4U gullwing squadron 214. He's mentioned the names Lieutinant Signati(spelling?) And a guy named Pruitt.
I'm looking for any info or someone that might have served with my grandpa. Thanks, Brian

Keywords: K.l.patterson, vmfn542, nightfighters,

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John Wertz wrote on March 1, 2017

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City and State:

Unit: VMF(AW) 542

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I have a squadron photo of VMF(AW) 513 from Korea (Feb 1951?) with the squadron members positioned in front of an F7F and an F4U. Some of the 542 members, including my grandfather, were transitioned into 513 while the rest of the squadron returned to El Toro. I believe this picture is from that merger. I can email it to anyone who is interested. Granpda, John W Frederick, Jr (went by Freddie or Gunner Frederick), was a radar operator in the F7F with 542/513. If any of you knew him, I'd love to hear from you.

Keywords: Freddie, Gunner Frederick, F7F, F3D, Korea, Radar Operator, Tigercat, Skyknight

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Duane (Ski) Brosowske wrote on January 6, 2017

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City and State: PURCELL OK

Unit: VMF(AW)542

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: I JOINED 542 IN SEPTEMBER 1958 UNDER THE COMMAND OF LT COL MEHAFFEY AS A 6412 JET ENGINE MECHANIC. WE ROTATED TO ATSUGI NAS, JAPAN IN AUGUST OF 1959. I ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF THE TOUR. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM SOME OF YOU JARHEADS FROM 542. SKI

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Harry Paulsen wrote on November 24, 2014

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City and State: RAPID CITY SD

Unit: VMF(N)542 1ST,MARINE AIRWING MAG33

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: Arrived at Kimpo airfield by truck from Incho landing.

Our aircratt (F7F3N) arrived from Japan - Piiolts and Radar Operators remained in aircraft while being armed and refueled (refuleling was done by hand pumps from 55 gallon drums)-

As I recall the aircraft were launched asap to provide air support for the combat going on in close proximity.

As I recall we lost 6 or 7 arcraft to ground fire including the squadron commender.

I was the person to keep the records of aircraft availability and other infol

Keywords: I can provide further info if you would like.

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Robert Marshall wrote on April 27, 2014

Send Email To ROBERT MARSHALL

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City and State: SAN DIEGO CA

Unit: VMF-542

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am seeking information regarding my late fathers successful bail out from an F3D over El Toro Marine Base in the 50's. Sadly, the pilot did not survive.

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Alan Carey wrote on November 21, 2012

Send Email To ALAN CAREY

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City and State: ROUND ROCK TX

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I am seeking photos of VMF(N)-513 and 542 from the
years 1950-1953 for a book that is scheduled for
release in fall 2013.

Keywords: F4U-5N, F7F-3N

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John Beebe JR. wrote on October 21, 2012

Email Update Needed

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City and State: ROBINSONVILLE MS

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am John W Beebe Jr son Major John Beebe. I am
looking to find anyone who knew my father or flew
with him on the day he was killed.Any info would be
helpful to me to put this to rest.Thank you very
much. John Beebe JR

Keywords: Major Jack Beebe VMF 542N 24 Sept 1950

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Rex Portner JR. wrote on August 22, 2012

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City and State: DENVER CO

Unit: VMF (AW) 542

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: I served with VMF (AW) 542 at EL TORO. I was a 6412
jet mechanic. I worked on F3D's, F4D's(fords). It was
a wonderful time of my life.

Keywords: MCAS EL Toro 1957-1959

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Roland Stringham wrote on May 22, 2012

Email Update Needed

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City and State: BIG RIVER CA

Unit: VFM 542

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: My dad served as a marine during the of the Korean
war. After, he moved on to Douglas Aircraft and worked
on the C124, A4D, F4D, A3D, served as a private citizen
on these aircraft for Douglas aircraft Co. aboard the
USS Saratoga and USS Ticondaroga in the mid fifties. He
is still alive. He has fond memories of these days and
love airplanes to this day.

Keywords: Kimpo airbase, Friends Beke Evans, Don Beebe

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I. Mike Corona JR. wrote on April 3, 2012

Send Email To I. MIKE CORONA

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City and State: ALBUQUERQUE NM

Unit: VMF(N)542

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments:

Keywords: F7F3N Tigercats, Kimpo, Wonson, Yon-po

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John Wertz wrote on September 15, 2011

Send Email To JOHN WERTZ

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My grandpa served with VMF(N)-542 from Oct 1948
through the end of 1951. He was promoted from Staff
Sgt to Technical Sgt during that time. He earned the
specialties of Naval Aviation Observer and Airborne
Intercept Operator. He served with the squadron in
Korea from September 1950 into 1951 and flew in over
90 combat missions. He later died while a POW in
Vietnam, so I'd like to learn more about him. If any
of you knew him, I'd love to hear more about him.

Thanks,
John Wertz

Keywords: Freddie, VMF(N)-542, RIO, F3D, F7F, radar

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Val Baugh wrote on August 31, 2011

Send Email To VAL BAUGH

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City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father George Bezbezian, as I was a Marine Pilot on loan to the Navy
testing radar in Korea just before being sent home dying from cancer age
30. This was 1950. Before that he was on Guam in same flight group as
John Glenn, and in 1946 he was in Peking, China. Early 1940 was at Cherry
Point, Parris Island, 1950s El Toro. I don't know which squadron, and
wonder if anyone has any information for me. I have his photos, a flight
book, flight suit and hemet and medals. During research for a book on
parents. vbaugh@aol.com

Keywords: Night Fighter Pilot 1946 China, Guam 1948, Cherry Point, 1949, Korea
1950, Bezbezian 

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Alexander Cocalis wrote on August 1, 2011

Send Email To ALEXANDER COCALIS

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City and State: TALLAHASSEE FL

Unit: VMF AW 542

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: I was in the squadron for the 1st half of '57. The F3D was a dog and we lost several pilots and RO's.

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Joe Bairn wrote on November 27, 2010

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit: I 3/9, L 3/7 '78-'82

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: U.S. Marine Corps Operations in Korea mentions that VMF(N)513 had two F-82's that transfered to 542 when 513 returned to El Toro to train on F3D's. I haven't been able to confirm this through any other reference, can you? Would especially like to see a picture, or to get BuNo., side no. etc. I'm aso interested in all BuNo's modex from any MC aircraft. Will share what info I have.
Thanks

Keywords: F-82, Twin Mustang

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John D. Jones wrote on September 12, 2010

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SUGAR LAND TX

Unit: VMF (N) 542

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM SOME OF MY OLD BUDDYS...

Keywords: JET F3D

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James Barnhart wrote on April 4, 2010

Send Email To JAMES BARNHART

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City and State:

Unit: VMF-542

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: Plane Captain on F7F's from March '52-Dec. '53. Recall Vincent Lerma, Staff Sgt. McGlaughlin, Carpenter, Parsons

Keywords: F7F, Vincent Lerma, Staff SGT McGlaughlin(Mac), Carpenter, Parsons,

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Richard Standley SR. wrote on February 26, 2010

Send Email To RICHARD STANDLEY

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City and State: VANCOUVER WA

Unit: VMF (AW) 542

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: Would like to hear from any old friends from 542 from the years 56-57-58.

Keywords: F3D - worked on flight line as plane-captain and later check-crew (6412)mos

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John D. Jones wrote on January 14, 2010

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SUGAR LAND TX

Unit: VMF (N)542 - VMF (AW)513

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: I sure would enjoy hearing from some of my ole Buddies.

Keywords: F3D VMF(n)542 Flying NightMares El Toro St Anna Calif. 1954-1955
F3D VMF(AW)513 Atsugi, Japan 1955-1956

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John D. Jones wrote on January 14, 2010

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SUGAR LAND TX

Unit: MARINE SQD. VMF(N)

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: Was anyone in the marine sqd. vmf(N) 542 in Eltoro marine air staion in
1954. Just trying to connect with old friends.

JDJones

Keywords: 542 in Eltoro marine air staion in 1954.

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Alvan Elliott Levenson wrote on May 23, 2009

Send Email To ALVAN ELLIOTT LEVENSON

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City and State: MILFORD NH

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: I have a snapshot of Hartley, Levenson, and Gorcyzca taken in Hawaii in 1956 or 1957

Keywords: I have a snapshot of Hartley, Levenson, and Gorcyzca taken in Hawaii in 1956 or 1957

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Robert Albert wrote on April 26, 2009

Send Email To ROBERT ALBERT

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City and State: SUN CITY AZ

Unit: VMF(N)-542

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: Wondering if anyone I knew is still alive. I joined the electronic shop in 1954 at El Toro. Stopped by in 1960 with my wife but the squadron had moved to Japan. The name on my coffee cup was REBEL. I still have it. I don't have a southern accent anymore.

Keywords: Bob Albert "REBEL" in the electronic shop

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William Tuthill wrote on February 26, 2009

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SOUTH PLAINFIELD NJ

Unit: VMF(N) 542

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: I WAS A MEMBER OF VMF(N) 542 FROM AUG. 1946 TILL MAY 1947, STATIONED IN MARINE AIR STATION MIRAMAR , SAN GIEGO. AT THAT TIME WE WERE A NIGHT FIGHTER-PILOT- TRAINING SQUADRON, FLYING F6F HELLCATS.
I WAS A PLANE CAPTAIN. WHEN I FOUNDOUT WHY RECAPPED TIRES COULD NOT BE USED ON THE PLANES, IT MADE THE WHEEL TOO BIG FOR THE WHEEL WELL, I WAS PUT IN CHARGE OF THE SQUADRON TIRE SHOP. (EASY JOB).
WE WERE ASSIGNED TO THE USS BOXER AT THE TIME.THE SQUADRON SENT OUT 12 PILOTS AND THEIR PLANES TO QUALIFY AS CARRIER PILOTS . WE GOT BACK 9 PLANES.

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Jim Savage JR. wrote on February 11, 2008

Email Update Needed

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City and State: WOLFEBORO NH

Unit: VMA-542

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: I'm looking for anyone who served with VMF(N),VMF(AW),or VMFA-542. I served with VMA-542 metalshop from 88-91 and was in Desert Storm. I want to get a reunion together for all former Tigers. I know the 75th anniversary of the squadron is still nine years away but I figure if I start now then it will make the planning easier. I would like to see something before then and that is why I'm looking for all former members. Please contact me so we can get this put together.

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Louis Banuelos wrote on November 13, 2007

Email Update Needed

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City and State: PHOENIX A

Unit: SMS-33

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: I was TADed to 542 because I had worked on F7Fs (VMF-N-533). My parent Squadron was SMS-33 (Marine Service Squadron 33, We Called it Secret squadron 33!). The Main thing I rememberis a shot up B-29 was headed for the oops end of the runway the pilot ground looped it,and wiped out 4of our F7s. The wing of the 29 hit the tails of the planes and twisted the fuselages. resulting parts galore! for the other 4 F7s.We were angery until we found out they had wounded aboard the 29. Aircraft you can replace, lives no. I can't recall what month this occured but it was late 1950.

Keywords: Pancho-- Al Alcaro And afew others Ican't remember

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William Tuthill wrote on May 29, 2007

Email Update Needed

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City and State: SOUTH PLAINFIELD NJ

Unit: VMF 213 - VMF542(N)

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: IF I HAD STAYED IN THE CORPS I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN ONE OF THE FIRST MARINE UNITS INTO KOREA.

Keywords: I WAS IN VMF 213 ON GUADALCANAL, MARCH 1943 -OCTOBER 1943. WE CAME BACK TO THE STATES AND WERE REASIGNED TO TRAINING SQDS. I WENT TO MECH SCHOOL IN MEMPHIS, TN. THEN WAS ASSIGNED TO VMF 314 IN JAPAN. THEN REOGANIZED THE AIR GROUP. TRANSFERED TO VMF 224 TILL 7/44, THEN TO VMF542(N) TILL MAY 1947. THEN OUT.

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R. L. (Bob) Dahlberg wrote on July 11, 2006

Email Update Needed

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City and State: RYE CO

Unit: VMF(N) 542 -513

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: Still kicking around--in contact with Marty Lachow, Geo Cullins, etc, from our vacation in Korea 8/50-7/51. Just wanted to publish my revised email.

Keywords: VMFN542, VMFN513, F7F-3N,

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John Darracott wrote on April 12, 2006

Send Email To JOHN DARRACOTT

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City and State: BOTHELL WA

Unit: VMF(N)-542 AT ELTORO

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments:

Keywords: My first assignment out of PISC in Aug 1952 was VMF(N) 542 at El Toro. I was a hard charging PFC 0100 File Clerk. I went on to spend about half of my career in aviation and loved every minute of it. Even had the good fortune to serve in HMX-1, MAG-16 in Danang, MARTD Seattle, 1stMAW in Iwakuni, MCAS El Toro

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Charles Parker JR. wrote on February 17, 2006

Email Update Needed

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City and State: HAYES VA

Unit: VMF(N)542

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: I was in VMF(N)542 from 1952 till 1954 I would like to say hello to
"Buck" Rogers

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John Darracott wrote on December 26, 2005

Send Email To JOHN DARRACOTT

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City and State: BOTHELL WA

Unit: VMF(N)-542

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: Wish to hear from 542 members. I was a clerk in the Squadron office from Sept 52 through Dec 53. Our SgtMaj was SgtMaj Brooke, Adjutant was Captain White. We had a couple of El Toro Football players in the squadron - Riggs and Allen Rizer. Admin Chief was Sgt Lorch. I also worked at the E-Club at night cleaning off tables. Robert Rogers if you see this drop me a note as I remember you well. I made the Corps a career and retired in 76 as a Major.

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Alan Carey wrote on January 3, 2005

Send Email To ALAN CAREY

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City and State: ROUND ROCK TX

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: I'm an author with seven published books on USN and USMC-related aviation history. I'm looking for veterans who served with VMF(N)-542 between 1950-51 who can provide stories and/or photographs for a book on USN and USMC Night Fighter Operations of the Korean War.

Keywords: F4U-5N, F4U-5NL, F7F-3

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Arlene Reviello Norberg wrote on February 27, 2004

Email Update Needed

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City and State:

Unit: 542 NIGHT FIGHTERS

Service or Relationship: -

Comments: My dad now turning 91 was in the 542nd in World War II on Okinawa approximately 1944 or 1945 to 1946. I am looking for some photos or movies I could transfer to DVD. He's wanting to tell his great grandchildren of his experiences. He was an aircraft mechanic that kept you great guys in the air. Would love info if you know any others that go back farther than Korea. God Bless.

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John Nelson Schwab wrote on February 10, 2004

Send Email To JOHN NELSON SCHWAB

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City and State: LAKE FOREST IL

Unit: VMF 542

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Comments: My father, Jim Nelson, was a USMC Captain who was lost in a combat mission on March 1-2, 1951 while flying an F-7F. He continues to be listed as MIA. I never knew my dad. I am interested in learning more about him from those who remember him.

Keywords: James W. Nelson, MIA March 1-2, 1951, F-7F pilot

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David Larson wrote on December 5, 2003

Email Update Needed

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City and State: TAYLOR AZ

Unit: USMC VMF(N)-542 1950-1952

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: I kept a diary and did take pictures. I am, at present, finishing the project. The events and dates are correct. Bent rudder pictures and many others during that time at Kimpo, Korea. Went in just after the Inchon Invasion. I am going to try to enhance some group pictures. Would not mind E-Mail. Dave Larson USMC A. Discharged.

Keywords: F7F-2N Tigarcat at El Toro and Kimpo

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Marty Lachow wrote on February 26, 2003

Email Update Needed

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City and State: THOUSAND OAKS CA

Unit: VMF(N)542/513

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: Any other 542/513 1950-51 folks around? Drop a line, etc.

Keywords: Inchon through wherever 1950-51

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Alan Carey wrote on August 22, 2002

Send Email To ALAN CAREY

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City and State: ROUND ROCK TX

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: Comments: I'm Alan C. Carey, an author of several books on USN and USMC Aviation. I'm searching for veterans who served with USMC Squadrons that flew the F7F Tigercat. The purpose is to include information and photos for a book on USMC Tigercat Squadrons.

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Robert Rogers wrote on May 21, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: BARTLESVILLE OK

Unit: VMF(N)542

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: The squadron shipped out the F7Fs shortly after I came on board in spring of 1952, and began testing the F3D Skyknights. We lost some pilots and planes. I do not remember many names, but if there is anyone who was part of that time at El Toro, I would like to compare notes then and since. Captain Smith was in charge of my area, and I remember one name, Captain Burke. Burke crashed somewhere near the base (old Saddleback?). I remember him because I flew with him at least once. I enjoyed being up with the pilots when an RO was not available. We finally shipped a cadre of sixteen planes and crew to Korea in summer of 1953. I was too close to discharge to go. I had also just gotten married. I attended First Church of the Nazarene in Santa
Ana.

Keywords: Intelligence NCO

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Jonathan Strickland wrote on May 10, 2002

Email Update Needed

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City and State: CHARLOTTE NC

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I am interested in any recollections regarding the service of Astronaut Walter Cunningham (Apollo 7) with either VMF-513 or 542 during the Korean War. I am especially interested in the types of aircraft he flew in combat (F4U, F7F, F3D?)

Keywords: Astronaut Cunningham vmf 513 542

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Jim Curzon wrote on September 3, 2000

Email Update Needed

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City and State: RIVERDALE GA

Unit: VMF(N) 513

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: VMF(N) 513

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John Nelson Schwab wrote on March 28, 2000

Send Email To JOHN NELSON SCHWAB

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City and State: LAKE FOREST IL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father, Jim Nelson, was a USMC Captain who was lost in a combat mission on March 1-2, 1951 while flying an F-7F. He continues to be listed as MIA. I never knew my dad. I am interested in learning more about him from those who remember him.

Keywords: USMC FMF 542 Fall 1950 thru February 1951 Kimpo Field F-7F Pilot

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Deniece Mello wrote on November 25, 1999

Email Update Needed

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City and State: NORTH KINGSTOWN RI

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I'm the eldest daughter of SSgt Paul D. Ellis(dec) I'm looking for anyone who may have know him from 1947 thru 1950 or even after that, he is missed greatly and I would wish to correspond with anyone who may have known him...Thank you Deniece

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Ernest R. Clifton III wrote on November 4, 1999

Send Email To ERNEST R. CLIFTON

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City and State: FAIRBORN OH

Unit: VMF(N)-542

Service or Relationship: USMC

Comments: My father Ernest R. Clifton Jr. was assigned to VMF(N)-542 while in Korea from about Sept 1950 until July 1951. I believe he was a Captain at the time. He currently lives in Arlington, TX.

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