(A. Smith)
Col. Elwyn G. Righetti
(A. Smith)
Col. Elwyn G. Righetti
338th FS - 24 October 1944 - February 1945
HdQts - 22 February 1945 - 17 April 1945 (Killed in Action)
| Assigned Aircraft |
P-51D CL-M 44-14223 "KatyDid"
(55th FGA) |
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| Mission History |
Not Known |
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| Mission List |
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| Air Scores |
4.5-0-2 338FS |
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| Ground Scores |
4-0 338 FS |
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| Score Detail |
02 November 1944 (.5)Me-109 destroyed (air) SW
Leipzig |
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| Notes | From San Luis Obispo, California. LtCol. Elwyn G. Righetti was the 55th's group Commanding Officer from 22 February 1945 to 17 April 1945. LtCol. Righetti was hit by flak near Dresden on 17 April 1945 and bellied-in. He was listed as missing in action, but future investigation indicated that he was probably captured and killed by German civilians. Known as 'Eager El'. 12 May 1945 - Posthumously promoted from Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel |
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| Decorations | DSC, SS, DFC, AM 29 November 1944 - Awarded the Air Medal |
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| Memories | The following report was made by Lt. Carroll D. Henry on
LtCol. Righetti's last known words and movements: "He then made one more pass from west to east destroying a FW-190. I called him telling him that I was tacking on. He acknowledged saying that he was heading out on 270 degrees. I was about 3,000 feet and over-ran him due to excess speed gained while letting down. He was at six o'clock to me and I rolled out on 270 degrees. I chopped my throttle and when I looked back I couldn't locate him. About 30 seconds later he called in saying, 'I broke my nose but I am OK. I got nine today. Tell my family I am OK, and it has been swell working with you'. I made one orbit and couldn't locate him on the ground. Being by myself I then headed out." |
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| Additional Images |
Copy of an article in Strikes, the Third Air Division newsmagazine,
week ending 21 April 1945, Vol 1, No. 3 (Martin Kyburz)
LtCol. Righetti and Crew Chief T/Sgt. Easton (W. Staggs
via C. Smith) |