Vrooman La Salle Francisco Jr. was born on November 3, 1922, in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He was the son of Vrooman Lasalle Francisco Sr. and Evelyn V. Lutgen. He enlisted in the service on November 18, 1942. He served in the 765th Bomb Squadron, 461st Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Second Lieutenant and Co-Pilot of B-24J #42-52025 nicknamed “Arsenic and Lace” during World War II.
On December 17, 1944, the ''Arsenic and Lace'' took off from Torretta Airfield in Italy as part of a 15th Air Force mission to bomb the Odertal synthetic oil refinery in German-occupied Silesia. The formation was heavily engaged by German fighters near the target. At about 26,000 feet, Arsenic and Lace was hit and exploded in the air. Parts of the Liberator came down on the outskirts of Olomouc, in today’s Czech Republic, with wreckage falling by the Neředín Cemetery. Five of the crew of Arsenic and Lace were killed in action, while the rest were taken prisoner.
2Lt Francisco was captured and held at Stalag Luft I in Barth, Germany. He died on September 24, 1981, and is now buried in the Little Rock National Cemetery, Arkansas, USA.
Source of information: 461st.org, www.americanairmuseum.com
PRIVATE CITIZENS SUPPORTING AMERICA'S HERITAGE
American
War Memorials Overseas, Inc.
War Memorials Overseas, Inc.
Francisco Vrooman La Salle, Jr.
Name:
Vrooman La Salle, Jr. Francisco
Rank:
Second Lieutenant
Serial Number:
O-2059020
Unit:
765th Bomber Squadron, 461st Bomber Group (Heavy)
Date of Death:
1981-09-24
State:
California
Cemetery:
Little Rock National Cemetery, Arkansas, USA
Plot:
Row:
Grave:
Decoration:
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Prisoner of War Medal, World War II Victory Medal
Comments: