Man searches for father's friend from WWII

William “Fred” Haithcox served in World War II on the USS Lexington.

Haithcox was a bombardier, gunner and radio operator who served with a pilot named Wally Larson from Whitefish.

Now, Haithcox’s son Rick is looking to find anyone that might have known Larson.

“It would be great to find Wally, his son or daughter or anyone that may have known about him,” said Rick Haithcox.

His father has since passed away and Wally may have as well, but Rick says he would still like to find anyone that may have known him.

Rick Haithcox notes that Wally might not be his first name, but possibly a nickname. A log book notation and a “fun” card that was made for them notes the name of what he says looks like J.G. Larson.

Fred Haithcox, of Statesville, North Carolina, served alongside Larson and the third mate was Leo Cunningham. Rick has a photo of the trio standing on the destroyer after being rescued after their plane went down on April 1, 1944 in the Pacific.

Rick relayed the story of that day as told to him by his father:

“There was a mission to take off from the carrier to go on a bombing/torpedo raid to attack Wolei Island. Their plane had been hit before and was in repair. After all planes had taken off, the maintenance guy came out and told them their plane was ready and did they want to go. They said ‘well, they have nothing else to do so lets go.’ They loaded up and attempted to take off. The carrier had already turned out of the wind and upon take off, their plane went straight into the Pacific Ocean. The carrier kept going and radioed the destroyer USS Craven, that was following the carrier that they had a plane down and three men in the water. After the third pass by the destroyer, they were spotted and hauled aboard.”

The log book and “fun” card was made for each of them to commemorate the experience, Rick notes.

If anyone knows of a Wally Larson or J.G. Larson from Whitefish, Rick asks that they get into contact with him. Send mail to William R. Haithcox (Rick), 119 Dills Dr., Dallas, NC 28034, or email wrhphoto@aol.com, or call 704-813-2584.