Russell James Suchy
Private Russell J. Suchy was a Marine aviation radioman who flew with VMTB-143 in the Solomon Islands campaign.
He was killed in action over Buka, Solomon Islands, on 16 November 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 461596
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
7 December 1923
in Cleveland, OH
Parents
Ladimir & Sylvia (Vlchek) Suchy
Education
(details unknown)
Occupation
Employed by Hippodrome Theater, Cleveland
Service Life
Entered Service
22 September 1942
in Cleveland, OH
Home Of Record
2465 East 86th Street, Cleveland, OH
Next Of Kin
Father, Mr. Ladimir Suchy
Specialty
Aviation radioman
Primary Unit
VMTB-143
Campaigns Served
Solomon Islands
Individual Decorations
Air Medal, Purple Heart with Gold Star
Additional Service Details
Private Suchy was wounded in action during a mission to Kolombangara on 13 August 1943.
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
On 16 November 1943, VMTB-143 was assigned to drop mines in Buka Channel, Solomon Islands. The squadron – including TBF-1 #47551 with Lt. Earl McLaughlin, Sgt. George R. Smith Jr., and Private Suchy – departed at 0138, and reached Buka two hours later. They returned at 0600, reporting antiaircraft and night fighters over the target. Lieutenant McLaughlin’s plane did not return.
Three days later, McLaughlin and Smith were discovered floating in their life raft near Cape Torokina. The pilot reported being chased by Japanese planes with searchlights, and slamming into the water during evasive maneuvers. After making a fairly smooth water landing, McLaughlin and Smith escaped the sinking plane. Private Suchy did not respond to their calls, nor did he emerge from the fuselage before the radio compartment submerged. McLaughlin and Smith dove underwater, desperately trying to find Suchy’s escape hatch in the dark, but were unable to open the door.
Russell Suchy may have been hit by Japanese fighters, or knocked unconscious in the crash. He sank with the plane, and no remains were located.
Burial Information or Disposition
Lost at sea with aircraft.
