World War II (WWII)
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MIA
MIA
County:
Renville
Date of Loss:
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Rank:
Second Lieutenant
Battalion / Task Group / Squadron or equivalent:
870th Bomber Squadron
Regiment / Group / Brigade:
497th Bomber Group, Very Heavy
Circumstances:
Died while in MIA status. Killed aboard U.S. Army Air Corps Superfortress nicknamed "Lucky Irish." While on the first B-29 bombardment mission to Tokyo from the Marianas Islands, targetting the Musashino Aircraft Engine Factory, the Superfortress was shot down by enemy Ki-44 fighter and spiralled into the sea 20 miles from shore, with the loss of all 11 crew.Â
Biography:
Memorialized at the Honolulu Memorial. Received Purple Heart and Air Medal awards.