Pierre Marceline Carnagey
Major Pierre M. Carnagey was the executive officer of VMF-214 – the “Black Sheep Squadron.”
He was reported missing in action over Rabaul on 23 December 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number O-6432
Current Status
Remains not recovered.
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
June 7, 1916
at Pierre, SC
Parents
Homer Clifton Carnagey
Christina (Fite) Carnagey
Education
Paseo High School (1935)
University of Southern California
Occupation & Employer
Professional Marine
Service Life
Entered Service
December 6, 1940 (commission)
Home Of Record
1808 Stillman
Corpus Christi, TX
Next Of Kin
Wife, Mrs. Mary J. Carnagey
Military Specialty
Pilot
Primary Unit
VMF-214
Campaigns Served
Solomon Islands (two tours)
Individual Decorations
Air Medal
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
Carnagey previously served as a division leader with VMF-222.
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Major Pierre Carnagey was a veteran Marine Corps fighter pilot who earned his first combat experience (and two probable kills) in the Solomon Islands with VMF-222. In early November 1943, he joined VMF-214 – the “Black Sheep” as executive officer, becoming second-in-command to Gregory “Pappy” Boyington.
On 23 December 1943, the “Black Sheep” were assigned a dual mission: escorting B-24s on a bombing strike against Rabaul, with a fighter sweep to follow and screen the withdrawal of the bombers. Two divisions of VMF-214 Corsairs provided cover, led by Carnagey with 1Lt. James E. “Jimmy” Brubaker flying on his wing during the long trip from Torokina to Rabaul.
Over the target, an estimated 15-20 Japanese “Zeke” fighters appeared and attacked the bomber formation. Carnagey’s pilots broke off to engage and a series of swirling, individual dogfights developed. VMF-214 gave a good account of themselves, but did not escape without losses. Pilots Carnagey and Brubaker were last seen diving after Japanese planes near the “heavies” – after that, they essentially disappeared.
Burial Information or Disposition
Major Carnegey never made it back to Torokina. He was reported as missing in action following the mission; nothing more was ever learned of his fate, or the whereabouts of his Corsair (F4U-1 17395). On 11 January 1946, he was declared dead.
Memorials
Next Of Kin Address
Address of wife, Mrs. Mary Carnagey.
Location Of Loss
Carnagey was last seen in combat over Rabaul.
