Name:
Richard Arthur Mehlberg
Rank:
Sergeant
Serial Number:
36277657
Unit:
401st Bomber Squadron, 91st Bomb Group
Date of Death:
1944-06-25
State:
Wisconsin
Cemetery:
Cambridge American Cemetery, United Kingdom
Plot:
G
Row:
1
Grave:
9
Decoration:
Purple Heart
Comments:
Richard Arthur Mehlberg was born on February 13, 1921, in Oconto, Wisconsin. He served in the 401st Bomb Squadron, 91st Bomb Group, as a Sergeant and Waist Gunner of the B-17 42-37958 'Old Faithful' during World War II. On June 25, 1944, their B-17G 42-37958 "Old Faithful" was badly damaged by flak over Toulouse, France. They had successfully flown 800 miles over enemy territory and attempted to land at Snag Farm in Wincanton, England when "Old Faithful" shed a wing. All nine aboard were killed.
Sgt Mehlberg is now buried in the Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.honorstates.org, www.americanairmuseum.com