Jack Bevis DeVaughn
First Lieutenant Jack B. DeVaughn was a Marine pilot with VMF-212.
He was reported missing in action during a mission to Tobera Airfield, New Britain, on 29 January 1944.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number O-24634
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
August 30, 1920
at Cleveland, OH
Parents
Marcellus DeVaughn (d.1942)
Mary Ann (Bevis) DeVaughn (d. 1944)
Education
Shaker Heights University School (1939)
Princeton University (1942)
Occupation & Employer
Recent Graduate
Service Life
Entered Service
June 6, 1943 (officer)
Home Of Record
1700 South Bayshore Lane
Miami, FL
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Mary DeVaughn
Military Specialty
Pilot
Primary Unit
VMF-212
Campaigns Served
Northern Solomons
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
—
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Took off from Piva on 29 January 1944 to provide fighter cover for a TBF Avenger strike against targets at Tobera Airfield near Rabaul. Lieutenant DeVaughn and his Corsair (F4U-1 #17646) were observed at the start of an intense dogfight, flying wing on his division leader as they attacked. When the fight ended, VMF-212 pilots claimed five certain kills and two probables – but Jack DeVaughn was not present when they broke contact, and nor did he return to Piva.
DeVaughn was posted missing after the mission, and ultimately declared dead on 16 January 1946.
Burial Information or Disposition
None; remains not recovered.
Memorials
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Mary DeVaughn.
After Mary’s death in 1944, Jack’s only living relative – his sister Dorothy – became his default next of kin.
Location Of Loss
Lieutenant DeVaughn was last seen in combat near Tobera Airfield, Rabaul.
