Name:
Edward F. Espitallier
Rank:
Technical Sergeant
Serial Number:
39083381
Unit:
423rd Bomber Squadron, 306th Bomb Group, Heavy
Date of Death:
1996-06-30
State:
California
Cemetery:
Fresno Memorial Gardens, Fresno, Fresno County, California
Plot:
Garden of Valor
Row:
Grave:
Decoration:
Purple Heart
Comments:
TSgt Edward (Eddie) F. Espitallier, radio operator of the B-17 42-5717, took off from Thurleigh in Bedfordshire, UK on a bombing mission over Saint-Nazaire’s “Flak Alley”. They were harassed by enemy fighters and flak until they crashed around noon. Espitallier managed to bail out with Wilson's help and despite a nasty 20mm shell wound to his leg. Once on the ground he ushered civilians away, fearing for their safety. Immobilized by his wound, he was captured and sent to Stalag Luft 3 in Sagan-Silesia.