Menu
  • Abous us
  • Search database
  • Resources
  • Donate
  • Faq

Eicholtz John Clark

Name:
John Clark Eicholtz
Rank:
Staff Sergeant
Serial Number:
13112542
Unit:
563rd Bomber Squadron, 388th Bomber Group, Heavy
Date of Death:
1943-09-06
State:
Pennsylvania
Cemetery:
Epinal American Cemetery, Dinozé, France
Plot:
B
Row:
31
Grave:
62
Decoration:
Air Medal, Purple Heart
Comments:

John Clark Eicholtz was born in 1923 in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, the son of Clinton Shaffer and Mary Eicholtz Shaffer. He graduated with honors from the local high school, and entered the military in August 1942.

After basic training, he received training as an aerial gunner at Fort Myers, Florida, and then went to Salt Lake City, Utah where he was trained as a radio operator. Assigned to the 563rd Bomb Squadron of the 388th Bomb Group, he deployed to England in July 1943.

On September 6, 1943, Eicholtz and his crew (Wilkins crew) were scheduled to participate in a bombing raid on Stuttgart, Germany. The bomber formation was attacked by enemy fighters as they prepared to make the in-bound run. According to witnesses, a German fighter attacked from beneath the bomber which caught fire and rolled over and made a rapid descent. Two parachutes were observed. The wreckage fell near Montgueux, France.

German reports state there were 7 bodies found still in the aircraft, 1 was found outside with parachute, and 2 other crewmen were missing. These 2 airmen successfully evaded and returned later to their home unit.

SSgt John Eicholtz is buried in Epinal American Cemetery in Vosges, France. He was one of the many brave Americans of the 388th Bomber Group who lost their lives in aerial operations against the German forces from June 1943 - August 1945.

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