Pechacek George Franklin

Name:

George Franklin Pechacek

Rank:

Technical Sergeant

Serial Number:

36262342

Unit:

335th Bomber Squadron, 95th Bomber Group, Heavy

Date of Death:

1944-02-24

State:

Wisconsin

Cemetery:

Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial, Neuville-en-Condroz, Arrondissement de Liège, Liège, Belgium

Plot:

B

Row:

39

Grave:

14

Decoration:

Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart

Comments:

George Franklin Pechacek was born on December 24, 1921, in Owatonna, Steele County, Minnesota. He was the son of Joe Pechacek. He served in the 335th Bomber Squadron, 95th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Technical Sergeant and Top Turret Gunner of B-17G #42-31561 nicknamed "Just Elmer's Tune," during World War II.

On February 24, 1944, during its mission targeting Rostock, Germany, "Just Elmer's Tune" sustained significant damage from anti-aircraft flak, which struck engine number one and damaged the stabilizer. Unable to maintain formation, the aircraft fell behind and was further attacked by enemy fighters. The crew was forced to crash-land near Øster Højst, south of Løgumkloster, Denmark. Of the ten crew members, two were killed in action including TSgt Pechacek and the remaining eight crew members survived and were taken as prisoners of war. TSgt Pechacek is now buried in the Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial, Neuville-en-Condroz, Arrondissement de Liège, Liège, Belgium.

Source of information: b17flyingfortress.de