Acker Joseph Percy

Monuments

Fallen Bombers in Médoc Information Boards

Fallen Bombers in Médoc Monument

Name:

Joseph Percy Acker

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Serial Number:

6966455

Unit:

615th Bomber Squadron, 401st Bomber Group, Heavy

Date of Death:

1951-02-17

State:

Alabama

Cemetery:

Green Pond Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Green Pond, Bibb County, Alabama

Plot:

Row:

Grave:

Decoration:

Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart

Comments:

Joseph Percy Acker was born on December 14, 1916, in West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama. He served in the 615th Bomber Squadron, 401st Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Staff Sergeant and Left Waist Gunner on the B-17 #42-40002 'Breezing Home' during World War II.

On June 19, 1944, his crew took off from Station 128 in Deenethorpe, England, for a mission to bomb the Bordeaux-Mérignac airfield in France. Hit by flak at around 10:00H, their plane developed mechanical problems (1 engine on fire - 2 others out of order - oil pressure). The plane was completely evacuated at 8,000 feet. Fortunately, all members survived the crash and the war. Their airplane crashed in Le Pouyau - 4 km south of Lesparre-Médoc. Based on the records, eight members were captured by the Germans before being released in Angoulêmes and returned to the UK. Two have evaded the capture. SSgt Acker was one of the POWs.

SSgt Acker died on February 17, 1951, at the age of 34. He is now buried in the Green Pond Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Green Pond, Bibb County, Alabama, USA.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, francecrashes39-45.net