Gill Edward J.

Monuments

B-17 (42-5788) 'Pluto's Avenger' Crash Memorial -303rd Bomber Group

Name:

Edward J. Gill

Rank:

Second Lieutenant

Serial Number:

O-811620

Unit:

360th Bomber Squadron, 303rd Bomb Group, Heavy

Date of Death:

1944-02-22

State:

New York

Cemetery:

Long Island National Cemetery, East Farmingdale, Suffolk County, New York, USA

Plot:

Section J

Row:

Grave:

Site 16049

Decoration:

Air Medal, Purple Heart

Comments:

Edward J. Gill was born on April 16, 1922. He served in the 360th Bomber Squadron, 303rd Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Second Lieutenant and Navigator of B-17F #42-5788 nicknamed 'Pluto's Avenger' and also known as 'A.O.G. Not in Stock,' during World War II.

On February 22, 1944, during Mission #111 to Aschersleben, Germany, B-17F #42-5788 Pluto's Avenger was attacked by German fighters. The aircraft remained in a controlled shallow dive with its #4 engine smoking before crashing near Duffel, 15 km southwest of Antwerp, Belgium. Tragically, four crew members died and six others became prisoners of war, while Major George Weinbrenner evaded capture and returned to the UK in September 1944.

2Lt Gill was among the crew members who lost their lives in the crash. He is now buried in the Long Island National Cemetery, East Farmingdale, Suffolk County, New York, USA.

Source of information: http://www.303rdbg.com/