Weibel John G.

Name:

John G. Weibel

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Serial Number:

O-398556

Unit:

601st Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, Heavy

Date of Death:

1944-06-18

State:

Pennsylvania

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, USA

Plot:

Section 34

Row:

Grave:

Site 4472

Decoration:

Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Purple Heart

Comments:

John G. Weibel was born on August 12, 1917, in Atlanta, Georgia. He served in the 601st Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Lieutenant Colonel and Deputy Commander 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.

LtCol Weibel was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, USA. John G. Weibel's name is inscribed on the Anstey Window Memorial in Panel 2 (center), on Butterfly 17, in the top left wing (section A).

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