B-24 Liberator “Hell’s Angel” Grave Stone Marker
Details:
On the south side of the road, in the grove of trees, surrounded by a fence. Placed at the east side beside a cross.
MarkerA large grey granite stone with Polish text inscription honoring the six crewmembers of B-24 bomber nicknamed Hells Angel who lost their lives for Polands freedom. The crew was shot down by the German anti-aircraft artillery on September 13, 1944. This stone marks the loaction where the crewman who were KIA were buried until their remains were recoved.
The crew included:
Pilot, Capt. William C. Lawrence*- - Stayed with the plane; died in crash
Co-Pilot, 1st Lt Mathew W. Hall* -- Stayed with the plane; died in crash
Navigator, 2nd Lt Daniel N. Blodgett -- Parachuted and survived
Bombadier, 2nd Lt Frank J Pratt -- Parachuted and survived
Navigator, 1 st Lt George V Winter -- Parachuted and survived
Mickey Operator, Irving P. Canin -- Parachuted and survived
Radio Operator, William R. Eggers -- Thrown from plane; died in fall
Upper turret Gunner, Vernon O. Christensen* -- Parachuted and survived
Waist Gunner, Everett Lawrence MacDonald* -- Thrown from plane; died in fall
Waist Gunner, Louis L. Kaplan -- Thrown from plane; died in fall
Tail Gunner, Arthur E. Nitsche, Jr.* -- Thrown from plane; died in fall
Monument Text:
W TYM MIEJSCU
13.IX.1944
POLEGO W WALCE O WOLNO
POLSKI
SZECIU LOTNIKÓW
SI POWIETRZNYCH USA
CZE ICH PAMICI
SPOECZESTWO ZIEMI WADOWICKIEJ
English Translation:
IN THIS VICINITY
ON SEPTEMBER 13, 1944
FELL IN THE FIGHT FOR POLISH FREEDOM
SIX AVIATORS
US AIR FORCE
HONOR THEIR MEMORY
SOCIETY OF THE WADOWICE LAND
Commemorates:
People:
Units:
15th Air Force
485th Bomber Group
831st Bomber Squadron, 485th Bomber Group (Heavy)
United States Air Force
Wars:
WWII
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