2LT Thomas Toolin Cenotaph -388th Bomber Group
Details:
In the center of the cemetery.
A private civilian gravestone.
The cenotaph remembers 2LT Thomas Leo Toolin, of the 561st Bomber Squadron, 388th Bomber Group who was KIA during a mission as the Bombardier on the B-17 (42-31084) on July 21, 1944. All ten remembers were KIA.
From Air War Over Denmark Website:
The aircraft is believed to have crashed into Helgoland Bay after being hit by flak at approx. 12:15 hours.
Pilot 1.Lt Kenneth Eccleston, Navigator Lt John Dorsett, Top Turret Gunner T/Sgt David F. Holliman, Radio Operator T/Sgt George B. Doyle Jr. and Tail Gunner Sgt Charles A. Bein have no known grave and their names are found on Tablets of the Missing at Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England. Co-Pilot 2.Lt Peter K. Schou and Right waist Gunner S/Sgt Ivan Clark Jr. today rest in the American War Cemetery at Neupre in Belgium while Ball Turret Gunner S/Sgt Joseph J. Molinari and Left Waist S/Sgt David Ceely rest in USA.
The memorial was dedicated by the 3rd Company of the 4th Battalion of the Danish Army; they continue to maintain the cenotaph
The entire crew is remembered on the 388th Bomber Group Memorial in Knettishall, UK. See Site Knettishall (this website) for more information.
Source of photos:
Find a Grave
Air War Over Denmark website
Monument Text:
The text on the stone is inscribed in Danish. The translation is:
AMERICAN FLYER
THOMAS L. TOOLIN
21 JULY 1944
REST IN PEACE
FRIENDS ON EARTH
4TH BATTALION 3RD COMPANY
DANISH ARMY
Commemorates:
People:
Units:
388th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
561st Bomber Squadron, 388th Bomber Group, Heavy
8th Air Force
Wars:
WWII
Other images :
