"I am a historian researching the case of LTJG George Agar for the Defense Department. His record says that he crashed on Kwajalein Island on 30 January 1944 on a raid on an enemy base. Does anyone know exactly what happened to him? He is still listed as missing in action, his remains never having been found. Thanks in advance for whatever information you can help give!"

I remember George Agar as a big strong guy who pushed everything to extremes. He muscled the big TBF into doing what he wanted it to do. I remember at the time of his loss that I (and others) thought that probably George made his dive too steep and his Avenger just couldn't hold together. Eye witnesses at the time reported that his wings came off but that could have been due to anti aircraft fire.

I hope that gives you some closure. My account of the incident is, of course, second hand from talking to others who were on the same strike. People who would know better would be members of his flight from VT-24 on that day.

CAPT John A. Harper
USS Belleau Wood LSO from commissioning to April 1945 and fighter pilot with VF-21 in 1944

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