Kravif Harry

Name:

Harry Kravif

Rank:

Captain

Serial Number:

O-733439

Unit:

601st Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, Heavy

Date of Death:

1944-06-18

State:

Massachusetts

Cemetery:

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

Plot:

A

Row:

37

Grave:

18

Decoration:

Air Medal, Purple Heart

Comments:

Harry Kravif was born on December 28, 1916, in Fall River, Bristol County, Massachusetts. He was the son of Jack Kravif. He served in the 601st Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Captain and Navigator of B-17 #42-97626 nicknamed ''Contrary Mary'' during World War II.

On June 18, 1944, Contrary Mary participated in a bombing mission targeting Hamburg, Germany. During the mission, the aircraft was struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire (flak), which ignited the No. 1 engine. The resulting damage caused the left wing to detach, leading to the aircraft's disintegration in mid-air. The wreckage crashed near Fleestedt, southeast of Harburg, Germany. Seven were killed in action, and three survived as prisoners of war.

Cpt Kravif was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial, Neuville-en-Condroz, Arrondissement de Ličge, Ličge, Belgium. Harry Kravif's name is inscribed on the Anstey Window Memorial in Panel 2 (center), on Butterfly 20, in the bottom right wing (section D).

Source of information: www.americanairmuseum.com, www.398th.org