O'Donnell John A.

Monuments

The Monument to the Aviation Martyrs in the War of Resistance Against Japan

Name:

John A. O'Donnell

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Serial Number:

11093269

Unit:

9th Bomber Squadron, 7th Bomber Group, Heavy

Date of Death:

1945-03-22

State:

Massachusetts

Cemetery:

Manila American Cemetery, Taguig, Philippines

Plot:

Walls of the Missing

Row:

Grave:

Decoration:

Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Hear

Comments:

John A. O'Donnell was born on January 3, 1921 in Massachusetts. He was the radio operator on B-24J #42-73437 assigned to the 10th Air Force, 7th Bombardment Group, 9th Bombardment Squadron. They were flying as part of a group of planes to bomb targets on Great Coco Island in the Indian Ocean. Moderate anti-aircraft fire was encountered and O'Donnell's plane was hit. The plane winged over to the right and went almost vertically into the ocean. There were no survivors. His name is commemorated on the Walls of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery, Taguig City, Philippines.

Ssgt O'Donnell was one of over 2000 Americans who lost their lives defending China from their Japanese invaders from 1941-1945. He is also commemorated on the The Monument to the Aviation Martyrs in the War of Resistance Against Japan in Nanjing, China.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.abmc.gov