VT-1 departed San Diego California for Hilo Hawaii on August 18th 1943. Ensign Wollert would die less than a month later in an airplane crash. His body was never recovered. The crash was the result of a midair collision during a training flight out of Hilo. His plane went down in the ocean, the other plane although damaged was able to return to base.

Killed in the TBF Avenger (bureau #24356) was pilot Derril Wollert, “Gunnery Officer” Ens Robert Garlock (seated either in the ball turret or behind the pilot), and radioman ARM3c Karl Stolzer.

The other aircraft involved was TBF Avenger (bureau #24279) with pilot Ens Kalousek and MM2c John Coche aboard.

Accident report for Ens Wollert

Accident report other aircraft

Wollert, Derrel Charles, ENS