Francis J. “Frank” Bertram was born on April 8, 1921, in Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey. He was the son of Frank Peter Bertram and Mae C. Quigley Bertram. He was married to Mary Glidden Bertram. He graduated from Commerce High School in 1938. In 1942, he entered military service with the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served in the 702nd Bomber Squadron, 445th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a First Lieutenant and Navigator of B-24 #42-50961 during World War II.

On September 27, 1944, B-24 Liberator #42-50961 was lost during the catastrophic Kassel mission over Germany. The aircraft departed RAF Tibenham as part of the 445th’s formation assigned to bomb the Henschel armored vehicle and industrial works at Kassel. During the approach to the target, navigational problems caused the 445th Bomb Group to drift away from the main bomber stream and lose the protection of its long-range fighter escort. After completing the bombing run and turning for home, the isolated bombers were intercepted by large formations of German fighters, including Fw 190s and Bf 109s. Repeated, close-range attacks devastated the formation over central Germany, particularly around the Werra Valley region. B-24 #42-50961 was among the Liberators destroyed in the intense aerial battle and crashed in Germany. Ten of the 12 crew members survived by parachuting near Bad Hersfeld, Germany.

1Lt Bertram was injured during his landing when his parachute tore through trees and was discovered the following day hiding near a creek by local German youths, who alerted civilian authorities. After receiving medical treatment and interrogation, he was sent to Stalag Luft I near Barth, Germany, where he remained a prisoner of war until the end of the war. After the war, Frank settled in Redwood City, California, before moving to Stockton in 1950, where he raised his family. In 1980, he moved to Woodbridge, later living briefly in San Carlos before returning to Stockton in 2006. During his career, he worked in the contract floor-covering industry. He died on April 17, 2014, and is now buried in the Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, San Mateo County, California, USA.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.rafb24.com