Edward Griffin Christensen was born on February 9, 1921 in Big Spring, Howard County, Texas. He was the son of Earl G. Christensen and Ollie L. Christensen. Edward graduated from Big Spring High School in 1940, and worked in his father's boot shop until he went into military service. He served with the 8th Air Force, 388th Bombardment Group, 560th Bombardment Squadron during World War II.
On September 16, 1943 he was waist gunner on B-17G #42-30030, nicknamed 'Old Ironsides'. They took off from Knettishall airfield in England as part of a group of planes on a mission to bomb targets in France. Old Ironsides bombed La Pallice and headed back towards base. They ran low on fuel, however, and ended up ditching in the English Channel. Christensen and another crewman drowned. The rest were able to make it to shore via rubber raft.
Source of information: www.findagrave.com
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Christensen Edward Griffin
Name:
Edward Griffin Christensen
Rank:
Staff Sergeant
Serial Number:
18077556
Unit:
560th Bomber Squadron, 388th Bomber Group
Date of Death:
1943-09-16
State:
Texas
Cemetery:
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas
Plot:
Section G
Row:
Grave:
144
Decoration:
Comments: