Thomas Andrew R.

Name:

Andrew R. Thomas

Rank:

First Lieutenant

Serial Number:

O-767686

Unit:

603rd Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group

Date of Death:

1945-03-15

State:

Massachusetts

Cemetery:

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

Plot:

C

Row:

8

Grave:

13

Decoration:

Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart

Comments:

Andrew R. Thomas was born on April 21, 1918, in Quebec, Canada. He served in the 603rd Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, Heavy, as a First Lieutenant and Pilot of B-17 #43-38562 nicknamed ''Kitty Kay and Katy'' during World War II.

On March 15, 1945, "Kitty Kay and Katy" was part of a formation tasked with bombing a target in Oranienburg. Shortly before reaching the target, the aircraft was hit by flak, causing significant damage. Despite being seriously wounded, the pilot managed to keep the plane aloft long enough for several crew members to bail out. Tragically, three crew members were killed in action, while five survived and were taken as prisoners of war when the aircraft crashed in a field near Schmachtenhagen.

1Lt Thomas was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial, Neuville-en-Condroz, Arrondissement de Ličge, Ličge, Belgium. Andrew R. Thomas' name is inscribed on the Anstey Window Memorial in Panel 1 (left), on Butterfly 4, in the top left wing (section A).

Source of information: B-17flyingfortress.de, www.398th.org