Arnold Carlson
PFC Arnold Carlson was a Marine radioman and gunner with VMSB-234
He was killed in a training accident near Barber’s Point, Hawaii, on 15 September 1942.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 357583
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
Based on circumstances of loss, this individual is considered permanently non-recoverable.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
March 3, 1914
at Minneapolis, MN
Parents
Gudrun (Winger) Carlson
Father unknown (deceased)
Education
Details unknown
Occupation & Employer
Terry Manufacturing Company
Service Life
Entered Service
January 16, 1942
at Minneapolis, MN
Home Of Record
2534 11th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Gudrun Carlson
Military Specialty
Aviation radioman/gunner
Primary Unit
VMSB-234
Campaigns Served
—
Individual Decorations
—
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
PFC Arnold Carlson served as a radioman and gunner with VMSB-234, stationed Barber’s Point, Hawaii. The squadron was training new personnel in advanced flying and dive-bombing tactics prior to deploying to the South Pacific.
On 15 September 1942, Carlson and 2Lt. Wesley A. Milliken took off for a morning flight in Dauntless SBD-1 #1754. Shortly before 0830 hours, witnesses saw Milliken’s plane dive on a target – and fail to pull out. The bomber slammed into the water and quickly sank out of sight. Rescue craft searched the area, but found no trace of Carlson or Milliken.
Both Marines were reported dead after the accident.
Burial Information or Disposition
PFC Arnold Carlson served as a radioman and gunner with VMSB-234, stationed Barber’s Point, Hawaii. The squadron was training new personnel in advanced flying and dive-bombing tactics prior to deploying to the South Pacific.
On 15 September 1942, Carlson and 2Lt. Wesley A. Milliken took off for a morning flight in Dauntless SBD-1 #1754. Shortly before 0830 hours, witnesses saw Milliken’s plane dive on a target – and fail to pull out. The bomber slammed into the water and quickly sank out of sight. Rescue craft searched the area, but found no trace of Carlson or Milliken.
Both Marines were reported dead after the accident.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Gudrun Carlson.
Location Of Loss
Approximate location of the Milliken-Carlson crash, 1-2 miles from Barber’s Point and MCAS Oahu.
