Wilson, William Edmund St. Elmo (W E St E)

Killed in action, in North American F-51 Mustang #319. Lts W.E. St E. Wilson, Frost, Gow and de la Harpe were conducting an armed reconnaissance of road routes from Wonsan through Hamhung, terminating at the Chosin reservoir. After arriving over Wonsan, Lt Wilson informed Lt Gow that he was about to begin his sweep and the flight lost altitude. North of Wonsan, Wilson did a search of the roads, and at Munchon he called to say that he intended to orbit to the left. He was seen to complete two circles, when he suddenly banked to the right and commenced climbing. Lt Gow noticed that Lt Wilson's aircraft was streaming white smoke, and on advising him, was told that it was coolant as the aircraft's temperature was rising. No flak had been observed. Lt Wilson baled out at 3000 feet north of Wonsan, but landed in the choppy sea rather than on land. Lt Gow sent out a Mayday call and a SA-16 amphibious aircraft responded within the hour. While waiting for the SA-16, numerous aircraft attempted to locate Lt Wilson in the water, without success. The SA-16 landed and spotted glimpses of Lt Wilson's Mae West lifejacket, but after 35 minutes this disappeared, and he was not seen again