Shomaker William Ernest

Monuments

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

Name:

William Ernest Shomaker

Rank:

First Lieutenant

Serial Number:

O-734012

Unit:

449th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group

Date of Death:

1945-07-12

State:

North Carolina

Cemetery:

Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Cem., N. Carolina

Plot:

Walls of the Missing

Row:

Grave:

Decoration:

Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Hea

Comments:

William Ernest Shomaker was born on October 20, 1921 in Avery County, North Carolina. He was the son of James Martin Shomaker and Jettie Elizabeth Gwaltney Shomaker. He enlisted as a Private in the US Air Corps on July 9, 1940, at Langley Field, Virginia. William served in the 449th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group as a First Lieutenant during World War II. He was lost in flight on his 75th mission over Vinh, French Indo China. His name is commemorated on the Walls of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery, Taguig City, Philippines. He also has a cenotaph located in Mount Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery, Banner Elk, Avery County, North Carolina, USA.

1Lt Shomaker 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