Edward "Porky" Cragg

Infobox Military Person
name = Edward "Porky" Cragg
born = birth date|1919|9|8
died = death date and age|1943|12|26|1919|9|8
placeofbirth= Mt Vernon, NY
placeofdeath= Borgen Bay, Cape Gloucester, New Britain, Papua New Guinea (MIA)


caption =
allegiance = flag|United States of America
serviceyears= 1940–1943
rank =
battles = World War II
awards = Distinguished Service Cross Silver Star Distinguished Flying Crosses(5) Air Medal(7) Purple Heart(2)
relations =
laterwork =
branch=
commands =
unit =
portrayedby =

Edward "Porky" Cragg (8 September, 1919 – Missing in Action (MIA) 26 December, 1943 – Finding of Death (FOD) 16 January, 1946 ) was a triple ace (15 Kills) and a Major in the United States Army Air Forces.

Biography

Pre World War II

Edward Cragg was born at Mount Vernon, New York, on 8 September, 1919. He spent his youth in the Greenwich / Cos Cob area of CT, graduating from Greenwich High School with class of 1936. In September 1937 he enrolled the School of Commerce, Accounts and Finance at New York University, New York. He was working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. In September 1940 he withdrew from the University to enlist.

World War II

He enlisted as a flying cadet on 30 November, 1940. He received his elementary training at Albany, Georgia, his basic training at Gunter Field Alabama from February through April 1941; and his advanced flying training at the Air Corps Advanced Flying School, Craig Field, Selma Alabama. He was appointed a second lieutenant, Air Reserve on 11 July, 1941 and was ordered to active duty on the following day.

Upon graduation from Advanced Flying School, he remained at the school until July 1941 when he was ordered to the Panama Canal Zone, for duty as Assistant Squadron Engineering Officer and later becoming Engineering Officer of the 28th Pursuit Squadron in the 37 Pursuit Group, stationed at Albrook Field. While there he was promoted to first lieutenant on 5 September, 1942.

In the spring of 1942 he was subsequently to what was then designated the 80th Pursuit Squadron, part of the 8th Pursuit Group, Fifth Air Force in the Southwest Pacific area in the spring of 1942. Both the squadron and group were soon redesignated from "Pursuit" to "Fighter". Initially the squadron flew P-39 Airacobras. Edward named his "Porky", and soon acquired the nickname of "Porky". He was promoted to captain 17 December 1942

On 8 April, aircraft. He named his "Porky II".

During his tenure with the squadron he compiled an air-to-air combat record of 15 confirmed kills and 2 probable kills. He was promoted to major on 6 July, 1943.

He served as commander of the Headhunters until he was reported missing in action over New Britain 26 December, 1943. During that final mission he shot down his final kill. He was succeeded in command of the Headhunters by fellow squadron member and ace Major Jay "Cock" Robbins

Aerial Victory Credits

References

* [http://www.acepilots.com/usaaf_pto_aces.html Ace Pilots]
* [http://80fsheadhunters.org/wwii.htm HeadHunters Association WWII History]
* [http://80fsheadhunters.org/patch.htm HeadHunters Association Patch History]
* [http://www.wwiimemorial.com/registry/mia/search/pframe.asp?HonoreeID=747297&popcount=8&tcount=29' National Archives ]
* [http://afhra.maxwell.af.mil/avc/avc_query.asp National Archives Air Force Historical Research Agency, Aerial Victory Credits]
*cite book |title=Attack & Conquer - The 8th Fighter Group in World War II |last=Stanaway|first=John C. |authorlink= |coauthors= Hickey, Lawrence J. |year=1995 |publisher=Schiffer Publishing |location=Atglen, PA |isbn=0-88740-808-7 |pages=320
* "Academic Records - Transcripts & Certification", Office of the University Registrar, New York University, PO Box 910, NY, NY 10276-4280
* "Edward Cragg Biography", General Officer Biographies Volume C. Available at The US Army Center of Military History, Fort Lesley J. McNair, DC.
* "Ernest T Cragg Oral History interview" March 1994

External links

* [http://porky.cragg.info/ Edward "Porky" Cragg Memorial Web Page]