A Mystery Solved 1945 to 2006
A page dedicated to all of the photo-recon pilots who took flight during the war.
For many years, I have heard my father recount the story of how he had witnessed the crash of a P-38 Lightning as a kid
near his hometown of Barnsdall, Oklahoma during the war. Over and over, he related the story to me in exactly the same
way. He recalled seeing two planes, that he identified as P-38's, dog-fighting at high altitude over his home town. At 13
years old, he was already an admirer of the P-38 from the magazine articles he had seen and could not resist watching this
display taking place before him.
After several minutes, he noticed that one of the P-38's was diving down at a high rate of speed and appeared to spiral a
little as it came down. He recalled hearing the engines sounding as though they were at full throttle, making a very loud
screaming sound. As the P-38 rushed closer to the ground, it appeared that the pilot was attempting to roll the aircraft into
an inverted attitude. My dad guessed that the pilot was attempting to bail out of the aircraft. The P-38 remained inverted
and struck the ground a short distance outside of town. Like many others, my father ran to the nearby crash site. When he
arrived there, he recalled that the majority of the plane had all but disintegrated upon impact and caught fire. It was obvious
that the pilot had been killed. My father found a small piece of the aircraft and kept it for many years, remembering the
dreadful event he had witnessed. Once I began collecting WWII aviation related items, he gave the piece of metal to me and
related the above story to me many times. Each time, the story was told with the exact same details.
After having this piece of the P-38 for almost 15 years, I decided to try and verify my father's story of the crash and see if I
could find any evidence of a P-38 having crashed near Barnsdall, Oklahoma during the war. After searching many internet
sites and contacting several "wreck chasing" investigators, I came up empty as there did not appear to have been any P-38's
that had crashed near Barnsdall during the war. I thought maybe my father was incorrect on the aircraft type involved.
I was then lucky enough to come across Jeff Wilkinson at www.okwreckchasing.com! After only one email, Jeff researched
the incident and it was discovered that my father was correct. An F-5, the reconnaissance version of the P-38, had in fact
crashed 2 miles west of Barnsdall, Oklahoma on July 2, 1945. Thanks to Jeff, the mystery of this crash was solved. Within a
week or two, I received a copy of the official Army Air Corp. crash report relating to the crash. I could now fill in the gaps
relating to the crash my father had witnessed almost 60 years ago.
near his hometown of Barnsdall, Oklahoma during the war. Over and over, he related the story to me in exactly the same
way. He recalled seeing two planes, that he identified as P-38's, dog-fighting at high altitude over his home town. At 13
years old, he was already an admirer of the P-38 from the magazine articles he had seen and could not resist watching this
display taking place before him.
After several minutes, he noticed that one of the P-38's was diving down at a high rate of speed and appeared to spiral a
little as it came down. He recalled hearing the engines sounding as though they were at full throttle, making a very loud
screaming sound. As the P-38 rushed closer to the ground, it appeared that the pilot was attempting to roll the aircraft into
an inverted attitude. My dad guessed that the pilot was attempting to bail out of the aircraft. The P-38 remained inverted
and struck the ground a short distance outside of town. Like many others, my father ran to the nearby crash site. When he
arrived there, he recalled that the majority of the plane had all but disintegrated upon impact and caught fire. It was obvious
that the pilot had been killed. My father found a small piece of the aircraft and kept it for many years, remembering the
dreadful event he had witnessed. Once I began collecting WWII aviation related items, he gave the piece of metal to me and
related the above story to me many times. Each time, the story was told with the exact same details.
After having this piece of the P-38 for almost 15 years, I decided to try and verify my father's story of the crash and see if I
could find any evidence of a P-38 having crashed near Barnsdall, Oklahoma during the war. After searching many internet
sites and contacting several "wreck chasing" investigators, I came up empty as there did not appear to have been any P-38's
that had crashed near Barnsdall during the war. I thought maybe my father was incorrect on the aircraft type involved.
I was then lucky enough to come across Jeff Wilkinson at www.okwreckchasing.com! After only one email, Jeff researched
the incident and it was discovered that my father was correct. An F-5, the reconnaissance version of the P-38, had in fact
crashed 2 miles west of Barnsdall, Oklahoma on July 2, 1945. Thanks to Jeff, the mystery of this crash was solved. Within a
week or two, I received a copy of the official Army Air Corp. crash report relating to the crash. I could now fill in the gaps
relating to the crash my father had witnessed almost 60 years ago.
A wartime photograph showing the
business end of an F-5 in the field.
Close examination reveals the
modification to the front of the nose
cone and the window on the side for
the installed camera.
business end of an F-5 in the field.
Close examination reveals the
modification to the front of the nose
cone and the window on the side for
the installed camera.
The Crash Report:
The official crash report by the Army Air Corp. identified the aircraft involved in the crash as an F-5-E Lightning, assigned
to the 3rd Air Force, 3rd TAD, 379th AAF BU, Squadron S, Coffeyville Army Air Corp. Field, Coffeyville, Kansas. The
aircraft No. is listed as 44-23602.
The pilot killed in the crash was identified as 2nd Lt. Charles R. Schleifer, ASN 0-705999. 2nd Lt. Schleifer was also
assigned to the 3rd Air Force, 3rd TAD, 379th AAF BU, Squadron S, Coffeyville Army Air Corp. Field, Coffeyville, Kansas.
At the time of his death, 2nd Lt. Schleifer was 24 years old. Schleifer had attended Primary Flight training with the 310th
AAFCS in Oklahoma City, OK. in August of 1943, attended Basic Flight training in Garden City, KS. in November 1943, and
attended Advanced Flight training in Pampa, TX. in January of 1944. He was received to the Coffeyville Army Air Corp.
Field on July 1, 1944, exactly one year and one day before his death. The crash report summary reads as follows:
"On 2 July, 1945, at approximately 0810 CWT, F-5 aircraft serial No. 44-23602 was seen by eye witness to be flying "at an extremely high
altitude" in trail behind another unknown aircraft of similar type. Aircraft serial No. 44-23602 was seen to half roll to an inverted attitude and
dive "straight towards the ground", recovering momentarily to level flight in an inverted attitude. This aircraft was not further seen but the
crashing impact was heard by the only eye witness this panel was able to locate. Evidence at the scene of the crash would indicate that the
aircraft struck the ground in an inverted attitude at angle of approximately 60 degrees with the horizontal. The accident was fatal to the pilot;
aircraft burned and was declared totally wrecked. The identity of the pilot of the accompanying aircraft has not been determined.
Probable causes are unknown."
The report is endorsed by 1st Lt. Daniel M. Flynn, 1st Lt. Jack W. Miller, 1st Lt. Robert W. Stalcup, Capt. Sam S. Chudde,
and Capt. Edgar C. Hamilton. According to my father, a number of people had witnessed the crash from town. However,
the only witness listed on the crash report is a farmer identified as C. Art Jones of Barnsdall, Ok.
to the 3rd Air Force, 3rd TAD, 379th AAF BU, Squadron S, Coffeyville Army Air Corp. Field, Coffeyville, Kansas. The
aircraft No. is listed as 44-23602.
The pilot killed in the crash was identified as 2nd Lt. Charles R. Schleifer, ASN 0-705999. 2nd Lt. Schleifer was also
assigned to the 3rd Air Force, 3rd TAD, 379th AAF BU, Squadron S, Coffeyville Army Air Corp. Field, Coffeyville, Kansas.
At the time of his death, 2nd Lt. Schleifer was 24 years old. Schleifer had attended Primary Flight training with the 310th
AAFCS in Oklahoma City, OK. in August of 1943, attended Basic Flight training in Garden City, KS. in November 1943, and
attended Advanced Flight training in Pampa, TX. in January of 1944. He was received to the Coffeyville Army Air Corp.
Field on July 1, 1944, exactly one year and one day before his death. The crash report summary reads as follows:
"On 2 July, 1945, at approximately 0810 CWT, F-5 aircraft serial No. 44-23602 was seen by eye witness to be flying "at an extremely high
altitude" in trail behind another unknown aircraft of similar type. Aircraft serial No. 44-23602 was seen to half roll to an inverted attitude and
dive "straight towards the ground", recovering momentarily to level flight in an inverted attitude. This aircraft was not further seen but the
crashing impact was heard by the only eye witness this panel was able to locate. Evidence at the scene of the crash would indicate that the
aircraft struck the ground in an inverted attitude at angle of approximately 60 degrees with the horizontal. The accident was fatal to the pilot;
aircraft burned and was declared totally wrecked. The identity of the pilot of the accompanying aircraft has not been determined.
Probable causes are unknown."
The report is endorsed by 1st Lt. Daniel M. Flynn, 1st Lt. Jack W. Miller, 1st Lt. Robert W. Stalcup, Capt. Sam S. Chudde,
and Capt. Edgar C. Hamilton. According to my father, a number of people had witnessed the crash from town. However,
the only witness listed on the crash report is a farmer identified as C. Art Jones of Barnsdall, Ok.
| I would enjoy hearing from anyone with any additional information regarding this crash and 2nd Lt. Charles R. Schleifer. I would like to find a wartime image of Mr. Schleifer to add to this page. I would appreciate any information that could help me to find squadron mates or family members of Mr. Schleifer to help me add to this page, dedicated in his memory and for his brave service. I would also like to thank my father for providing me with the piece of the F-5 he found so many years ago, and allowing Mr. Schleifer's story to come to life. A special thank you to Jeff Wilkinson for all his help and hard work. I appreciate it. |
The surviving piece of F-5-E No.
44-23602. As you can see, it is a
small piece of the aircraft, still retaining
the olive drab paint scheme on one
side and bare metal on the other. The
edges are jagged and it is obvious that
this portion was torn from the rivets
holding it in place. There is no
evidence of fire damage to this portion
of the aircraft.
44-23602. As you can see, it is a
small piece of the aircraft, still retaining
the olive drab paint scheme on one
side and bare metal on the other. The
edges are jagged and it is obvious that
this portion was torn from the rivets
holding it in place. There is no
evidence of fire damage to this portion
of the aircraft.
To Photo-Recon Joe
(by Tom McGuire)
Of all the Air Force pilots that I most deeply admire,
I give my top-notch vote to Photo-Recon Joe
Who goes it alone, unarmed, and braves the enemy's fire
By taking crucial photos which spell doom to the Axis foe.
Ahead of his Lightning's sound, his F-5 zips in at tree-top level;
Too late they hear him coming, now he's already gone past
A flashing form, a blast of wind, the Fork-Tail Devil,
His photos taken, speeds home, no higher than a mast.
On lists of fighter aces, his name is never placed,
And sadly, he's soon forgotten after the war has ended,
But war historians know that priceless F-5 photos based
The Normandy invasion so air, sea, and land attacks all blended.
"Unescorted, unarmed, and unafraid" Joe wings his gutsy way
Into the lethal Axis Reich, where death waits in that murky air.
But he presses on, he shoots his films, and dearly earns his pay
By these "dicing," flack-filled missions that only he would dare.
So now I raise a grateful toast to Photo-Recon Joe,
And, Joe, I also bow to you-and believe me, I bow low.
(by Tom McGuire)
Of all the Air Force pilots that I most deeply admire,
I give my top-notch vote to Photo-Recon Joe
Who goes it alone, unarmed, and braves the enemy's fire
By taking crucial photos which spell doom to the Axis foe.
Ahead of his Lightning's sound, his F-5 zips in at tree-top level;
Too late they hear him coming, now he's already gone past
A flashing form, a blast of wind, the Fork-Tail Devil,
His photos taken, speeds home, no higher than a mast.
On lists of fighter aces, his name is never placed,
And sadly, he's soon forgotten after the war has ended,
But war historians know that priceless F-5 photos based
The Normandy invasion so air, sea, and land attacks all blended.
"Unescorted, unarmed, and unafraid" Joe wings his gutsy way
Into the lethal Axis Reich, where death waits in that murky air.
But he presses on, he shoots his films, and dearly earns his pay
By these "dicing," flack-filled missions that only he would dare.
So now I raise a grateful toast to Photo-Recon Joe,
And, Joe, I also bow to you-and believe me, I bow low.
Restored P-38 "Joltin Josie" during a fly-by. This aircraft is
operated by the Planes of Fame Museumin Chino, Ca.
operated by the Planes of Fame Museumin Chino, Ca.
Wartime, color photo of a P-38 cockpit.
A not so innocent, but entertaining poem of admiration for the P-38.
WWII United States Army Air Corp. 3rd Air
Force shoulder patch.
Force shoulder patch.
5/11/05 It is with great pleasure that I recently learned that the Barnsdall Times of Barnsdall, Oklahoma, recently wrote an
article to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the crash of this F-5/P-38. I would like to thank everyone at the Barnsdall
Times and all of the citizens in the Barnsdall area who came forward and helped to tell this story and get the article written
to remember the sacrifice of this brave U.S. aviator. (Click on either of the two pictures above to read the article.)
article to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the crash of this F-5/P-38. I would like to thank everyone at the Barnsdall
Times and all of the citizens in the Barnsdall area who came forward and helped to tell this story and get the article written
to remember the sacrifice of this brave U.S. aviator. (Click on either of the two pictures above to read the article.)
Additional Information on Mr. Schleifer!!
As a result of the Barnsdall Times article, I have extended my search for
information concerning Mr. Schleifer to the state of Wisconsin. This was new
information as I had no information concerning where he was originally from.
While searching resources in Wisconsin, I found a memorial for WWII veterans
with Mr. Schleifer's name under the section for Ozaukee County Wisconsin
veterans who lost their lives during WWII. (Click on the two photographs to the
right for additional details, Mr. Schleifer's name is circled in red.) Hopefully this
new information will lead me closer to finding a photograph of Mr. Schleifer in an
attempt to complete his story!! I will update this page as information becomes
available.
information concerning Mr. Schleifer to the state of Wisconsin. This was new
information as I had no information concerning where he was originally from.
While searching resources in Wisconsin, I found a memorial for WWII veterans
with Mr. Schleifer's name under the section for Ozaukee County Wisconsin
veterans who lost their lives during WWII. (Click on the two photographs to the
right for additional details, Mr. Schleifer's name is circled in red.) Hopefully this
new information will lead me closer to finding a photograph of Mr. Schleifer in an
attempt to complete his story!! I will update this page as information becomes
available.
5/2006 Over the past two weeks, I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to correspond with J. Hope, formerly of
Barnsdall, Oklahoma. Mr. Hope has been extremely gracious in taking time from his schedule to help me in finding additional
information concerning the crash and Mr. Schleifer. Over the past two weeks, Mr. Hope has helped to provide technical
information concerning problems encountered with the operation of the P-38/F-5 and other theories on the possible cause of this
crash. Mr. Hope was also kind enough to provide additional research material which identified the home town of Mr. Schleifer as
Cedarburg, Wisconsin. With this new information, my search has now extended to Cedarburg in an effort to find a photograph of
Mr. Schleifer to add to this page. As time permits, I will add more information to this page that was obtained from Mr. Hope.
Barnsdall, Oklahoma. Mr. Hope has been extremely gracious in taking time from his schedule to help me in finding additional
information concerning the crash and Mr. Schleifer. Over the past two weeks, Mr. Hope has helped to provide technical
information concerning problems encountered with the operation of the P-38/F-5 and other theories on the possible cause of this
crash. Mr. Hope was also kind enough to provide additional research material which identified the home town of Mr. Schleifer as
Cedarburg, Wisconsin. With this new information, my search has now extended to Cedarburg in an effort to find a photograph of
Mr. Schleifer to add to this page. As time permits, I will add more information to this page that was obtained from Mr. Hope.
Victim of P-38 Crash
Second Lt. Charles Richard Schleifer Dies in
mishap.
Second Lt. Charles Richard Schleifer, 23, was killed
when his P-38 photo-reconnaissance plane
crashed three miles southwest of Barnsdall,
Oklahoma, yesterday. He was on a routine training
flight from Coffeyville Army Air Field. The plane was
destroyed.
Lt. Schleifer. whose home was Cedarburg,
Wisconsin, came to the local field May 5. He was
first commissioned at Pampa, Tx., Jan. 7, 1944,
having entered service in June 1943.
He was not married.
The body will be sent this afternoon from the Ford
funeral home to Cedarburg, Wisconsin for funeral
services, and burial. Second Lt. Edward J. Neville
will serve as escort of honor from CAAF.
(This is a verbatim, typed version of an article which
appeared in the Coffeyville Daily Journal, Sunday,
July 3, 1945.) Thank you to Mr. Hope for providing
me with a photocopy of this article.
Second Lt. Charles Richard Schleifer Dies in
mishap.
Second Lt. Charles Richard Schleifer, 23, was killed
when his P-38 photo-reconnaissance plane
crashed three miles southwest of Barnsdall,
Oklahoma, yesterday. He was on a routine training
flight from Coffeyville Army Air Field. The plane was
destroyed.
Lt. Schleifer. whose home was Cedarburg,
Wisconsin, came to the local field May 5. He was
first commissioned at Pampa, Tx., Jan. 7, 1944,
having entered service in June 1943.
He was not married.
The body will be sent this afternoon from the Ford
funeral home to Cedarburg, Wisconsin for funeral
services, and burial. Second Lt. Edward J. Neville
will serve as escort of honor from CAAF.
(This is a verbatim, typed version of an article which
appeared in the Coffeyville Daily Journal, Sunday,
July 3, 1945.) Thank you to Mr. Hope for providing
me with a photocopy of this article.
Bulletins
The pilot of a P-38 from the Coffeyville Army Air Field
was killed when his plane crashed early today about
three miles southwest of Barnsdall, Oklahoma,
officials of the field revealed this afternoon. Name of
the pilot cannot be disclosed until identification is
completed and next of kin have been notified. The
plane was a total loss.
(This is a verbatim, typed version of a bulletin which
appeared in the Coffeyville Daily Journal, Saturday, July 2,
1945.) Thank you to Mr. Hope for providing me with a
photocopy of this article.
The pilot of a P-38 from the Coffeyville Army Air Field
was killed when his plane crashed early today about
three miles southwest of Barnsdall, Oklahoma,
officials of the field revealed this afternoon. Name of
the pilot cannot be disclosed until identification is
completed and next of kin have been notified. The
plane was a total loss.
(This is a verbatim, typed version of a bulletin which
appeared in the Coffeyville Daily Journal, Saturday, July 2,
1945.) Thank you to Mr. Hope for providing me with a
photocopy of this article.
The story comes to an end:
I just recently received an email from the librarian (D. Barth) of the Cedarburg High School in Cedarburg,
Wisconsin, indicating that several photographs of 2nd Lt. Charles R. Schleifer had been located. An old friend
of Mr. Schleifer's was kind enough to allow Mrs. Barth to make copies of the photographs and send them along
to me to add to the webpage. So, for the first time since this story began and my research into this crash
started several years ago, this story of the tragic crash of this F-5 Lighting has a face. Above are two
photographs of 2nd Lt. Charles R. Schleifer. I also learned that Mr. Schleifer went by the nickname of "Kelly."
The female in the photograph to the right is unidentified.
I was so excited to see the photographs only to feel a little sadness in seeing this young, happy gentleman who
ultimately met his end in this terrible incident. However, I am happy to have the opportunity for everyone to see
who this brave aviator was and to bring this story to an end. I would like to sincerely thank Mrs. Barth, J. Hope
and all of the other people across the country who helped to contribute to this story and the research behind this
terrible incident. I would also like to say thank you to the Barnsdall Times and the people of Barnsdall,
Oklahoma who provided me with much needed assistance in helping to research and tell the story of 2nd Lt.
Schleifer.
If anyone has any additional information, photographs or comments regarding this story, please feel free to
contact me at webmaster@danielsww2.com. I would be very interested in hearing from any family or friends of
Mr. Schleifer who may wish to add more to this story.
I just recently received an email from the librarian (D. Barth) of the Cedarburg High School in Cedarburg,
Wisconsin, indicating that several photographs of 2nd Lt. Charles R. Schleifer had been located. An old friend
of Mr. Schleifer's was kind enough to allow Mrs. Barth to make copies of the photographs and send them along
to me to add to the webpage. So, for the first time since this story began and my research into this crash
started several years ago, this story of the tragic crash of this F-5 Lighting has a face. Above are two
photographs of 2nd Lt. Charles R. Schleifer. I also learned that Mr. Schleifer went by the nickname of "Kelly."
The female in the photograph to the right is unidentified.
I was so excited to see the photographs only to feel a little sadness in seeing this young, happy gentleman who
ultimately met his end in this terrible incident. However, I am happy to have the opportunity for everyone to see
who this brave aviator was and to bring this story to an end. I would like to sincerely thank Mrs. Barth, J. Hope
and all of the other people across the country who helped to contribute to this story and the research behind this
terrible incident. I would also like to say thank you to the Barnsdall Times and the people of Barnsdall,
Oklahoma who provided me with much needed assistance in helping to research and tell the story of 2nd Lt.
Schleifer.
If anyone has any additional information, photographs or comments regarding this story, please feel free to
contact me at webmaster@danielsww2.com. I would be very interested in hearing from any family or friends of
Mr. Schleifer who may wish to add more to this story.
While researching this crash, I have come into contact with a number of terrific people who were very helpful in
providing information. The photograph above is an F-5E taken in 1945 at Will Rogers Air Field. This F-5E was flown by
one of the terrific gentleman who have been kind enough to answer emails and provide much appreciated background
to this story. Thank you to 2nd Lt. Paul McAfee for all of his help and time. (Click on the photograph above to see a
terrific photo of one the F-5E's Mr. McAfee flew during his training, it is a gorgeous photograph!)
providing information. The photograph above is an F-5E taken in 1945 at Will Rogers Air Field. This F-5E was flown by
one of the terrific gentleman who have been kind enough to answer emails and provide much appreciated background
to this story. Thank you to 2nd Lt. Paul McAfee for all of his help and time. (Click on the photograph above to see a
terrific photo of one the F-5E's Mr. McAfee flew during his training, it is a gorgeous photograph!)
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Don't forget to check out the items for sale and trade page! Original WWII items and autographed items!
Above: An original, wartime photograph showing an unidentified pilot sitting
in the cockpit of a Lockheed P-38 Lightning.
in the cockpit of a Lockheed P-38 Lightning.