P-38H 42-67046

Not Known

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Captain Jerry Ayers reported: "We were on a B-17 escort mission to Bremen, Germany, when at 1410, just prior to our rendezvous point we were jumped by hot bandits.  Major Joel was leading the first section of the squadron composed of eight ships.  Lt. Wyche was leading the other flight in that section.  Captain Hancock was leading the second section and I had the other flight, (of the second section).  Due to abortive aircraft Major Joel had lost his second element, also Lt. Wyche had lost his.  Capt. Hancock and his wingman returned.  My second element had returned and we were trying to rejoin into two four ship flights when we were successively bounced by units from a group of about 40 enemy aircraft from one or two o'clock, out of the sun.  We turned right into the attack and were engaged for some time.  At the time of the first break was the last time that I saw Major Joel and his wingman, Lt. Garvin, that I could recognize them."

Lt. Garvin was reported down near the Loda Canal, Holland.  He is buried in Marcus, Iowa.
Reproduced with kind permission of Mr. Robert M. Littlefield from the author's book Double Nickel - Double Trouble