Francis Paul McCarthy
Captain Francis P. “Frank” McCarthy was a Marine Corps pilot who flew with VMF-221.
He was shot down and reported missing in the battle of Midway on 4 June 1942.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number O-6235
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
October 13, 1916
at Milton, MA
Parents
William Joseph “WJ” McCarthy
Marie (Raymore) McCarthy (d. 1922)
Education
Newton High School (1934)
Wake Forest University (1938)
Occupation & Employer
Details unknown
Service Life
Entered Service
June 15, 1939 (enlisted)
June 27, 1940 (officer)
Home Of Record
61 Beaumont Avenue
Boston, MA
Next Of Kin
Father, Mr. W. J. McCarthy
Military Specialty
Pilot
Material & Oxygen Officer
Primary Unit
VMF-221
Campaigns Served
Midway
Individual Decorations
Navy Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
McCarthy was credited with 1.25 aerial victories.
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Francis “Frank” McCarthy was a Marine Corps fighter pilot stationed at Midway Island in early 1942. He was a notable figure in VMF-221: in March of 1942, McCarthy was part of a flight that brought down a big Kawanishi HK8 “Emily” flying boat – the first victory for the squadron. Four pilots shared credit for the kill, and were personally decorated by Admiral Chester Nimitz. McCarthy also earned a promotion to Captain, leadership of a section in 5 Division, and priority assignment of one of the new F4F-3 Wildcats the squadron received in late May 1942.
On the morning of 4 June 1942, the Wildcats of 5 Division flew the dawn patrol and provided cover for heavier aircraft clearing the island ahead of an anticipated raid. Shortly before 0500, four of the six planes were called back to the field to refuel and prepare for an intercept. McCarthy and 2Lt. Roy A. Corry, Jr. remained aloft, patrolling their sector in case the Japanese should appear unexpectedly. Just about an hour later, Major Floyd B. Parks led the squadron aloft in a bid to gain altitude before the enemy arrived. McCarthy and Corry raced back to the airfield to refuel; by the time they cleared Midway, the dogfight was already joined. The pilots pushed the throttles on their Wildcats and went to join the fray.
We were at 8,000 feet heading for the enemy bombers which were around 12,000 or 15,000 feet when we were attacked by eight [Zero] fighters. We were immediately broken up on the first pass, and from then on we were fighting singly.
Captain McCarthy shot down one fighter immediately, and I shot one down on his rail. I lost sight of Captain McCarthy shortly after due to the card that I had three fighters on my tail.....
Corry was the last American to see Frank McCarthy or F4F-3 #4006. The Wildcat failed to return to base, and McCarthy was listed as missing in action. He was ultimately declared dead on 5 June 1943.
Burial Information or Disposition
Shot down at sea; remains not recovered.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of father, Mr. W. J. McCarthy.
Location Of Loss
McCarthy was shot down at an unspecified point after departing from Midway.
