Rich Paul H., Jr.

Name:

Paul H., Jr. Rich

Rank:

First Lieutenant

Serial Number:

O-817531

Unit:

603rd Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group

Date of Death:

1944-11-21

State:

New Hampshire

Cemetery:

Sunnyside Cemetery, Sugar Hill, Grafton County, New Hampshire, USA

Plot:

Row:

Grave:

Decoration:

Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart

Comments:

Paul H. Rich Jr. was born on April 10, 1922, in Franconia, Grafton County, New Hampshire. He was the son of Paul Herbert Rich and Marcia Helen Tefft Rich. He served in the 603rd Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, Heavy, as a First Lieutenant and Pilot of B-17 #42-107138 nicknamed ''Witka Tanka Ton'' during World War II.

On November 21, 1944, B-17G #42-107138 departed from Nuthampstead, England, for a bombing mission over Merseburg, Germany. After successfully releasing its bombs on target, the aircraft was attacked by German fighters. The assault caused severe damage to the No. 2 engine and struck the No. 4 engine as well, ultimately leading to the bomber crashing near Merseburg during the mission. Of the ten crew members aboard, seven were killed in action.

1Lt Rich was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Sunnyside Cemetery, Sugar Hill, Grafton County, New Hampshire, USA. Paul H. Rich's name is inscribed on the Anstey Window Memorial in Panel 3 (right), on Butterfly 23, in the top right wing (section B).

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