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USS Quincy CA-71 & CA-39

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USS Quincy CA-71 & CA-39
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MIA Airman Lost Defending the Quincy

Greetings,

On D-Day, three Free French aviators flying with the RAF lost their lives while laying a smoke screen to protect the U.S.S. Quincy and the U.S.S. Tuscaloosa at Utah Beach. Two of those men are still listed as missing in action, lost at sea, but new evidence shows that one of the deceased aviators was recovered by the U.S.S. Tuscaloosa and then transferred to the U.S.S. Quincy. I am writing in the hopes that this man may be identified and returned to his family.

Any information about casualties transferred from the Tuscaloosa to the Quincy on June 7, 1944 would be much appreciated. In particular, any evidence that one of the transferred casualties was Free French would be very helpful. There may also be witness accounts from sailors on the Quincy who saw the loss of the aircraft. Also, if the ship’s doctor or the casualty officer for the Quincy kept any medical log or diary, that would be of particular interest. Finally, we are seeking any information on the transfer of casualties from the Quincy to whoever the responsible parties were on shore when the Quincy returned to Portland harbor in England on June 7 to replenish fuel and ammunition.

Any information would be welcome – Please contact me: emoryk@hotmail.com

A more detailed summary of the story and the evidence can be found at the following link:

http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/showthread.php?16622-Has-a-Missing-342-or-345-Sqn-Pilot-Been-Found&p=97760#post97760

The new evidence first emerged in a somewhat complicated discussion at armyairforces.com. For the most complete story, plus numerous links to sources, please see the following:

http://forum.armyairforces.com/SmokeScreen-Pilot-Lost-DDay-1-m241716.aspx