First F4U-4 Corsair NIGHT landing on USS Midway

[Mark Blocksom]

Hello All,

 

I am new to this forum and am looking for some help. I am a researcher for the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, CA. I hope this message finds you well. I am trying to determine who made the first night landing in a Corsair on the USS Midway. 

 

I'm working to document and preserve the history of our exhibit aircraft, as well as notable appearances of other aircraft aboard the USS Midway. At present, I'm researching the history of our Corsair, and the question of the first Night Landing on Midway came up. I am trying to confirm that it was an F4U-4 from VF-74 in November 1945 during Midway's shakedown cruise. The pilot's name may have been Ensign Ralph Kleinschmidt. I have checked the deck logs for this event, but there is nothing conclusive.

 

Thank you very much for your time and assistance.

 

Mark Blocksom

USS Midway Museum Volunteer Researcher

mblocksom@midway.org

619-312-7670