WIX Archives
Lt. Pillsbury's "Jolly Rogers" F4U-1A
Posted by Rob Mears on Thu Jul 04, 2002 03:50:13 PM
In reply top Corsair Alert posted by Paul McMillan on Mon Jul 01, 2002 07:03:27 AM
The last time I saw a pic of this plane the paint scheme still looked like it did when the plane crashed. Very vivid and well preserved.
The locals were building a road through this area in 1968 when they found this plane. After some research it was discovered that the plane belonged to MIA pilot Lt. Chuck Pillsbury from VF-17 "The Jolly Rogers"! This was one of the infamous F4U-1A's flown by the highest scoring US Navy squadron of all time.
Pillbury dissapeared during a low level return flight from Rabaul. His wingman lost sight of him, and until his plane was discovered in the jungle in 1968 no one had any idea how he was lost.
Eventually it was discovered that a single rifle bullet had entered through the bottom of the cockpit and lodged in his skull. The plane flew itself down and bellied into the jungle canopy. The plane as you can see was largely intact considering the circumstances. Pillsbury's remains were recovered, revealing the circumstances of his demise.
These are the only known remains of a VF-17 Corsair in the world. Sadly, they are doomed to meet their fate in the jungles of Bougainville.