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name
CRALLE, Hersal Bennett - Date of
birth
17 June 1923 -
Age
20 - Place of
birth
Alexandria County, Virginia -
Hometown
Prince George's County, Maryland
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
33559075 -
Rank
Staff Sergeant -
Function
Ball Turret Gunner/Assistant Radio Operator -
Unit
339th Bombardment Squadron,
96th Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
8 May 1944 - Place of
death
Diesten-Bergen, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| D | 25 | 11 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Richard P. Cralle (father)
Mary A. Cralle (mother)
Richard S. Cralle (brother)
Mildred E. Cralle (sister)
Frances E. Cralle (sister)
Caroline E. Cralle (sister)
Elsie I. Cralle (wife)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-38190 -
Data
Type: B-17G
Nickname: Aint Misbehaven
Destination: Berlin, Germany
Mission: Bombing of the city
MACR: 4568
More information
S/Sgt Hersal B. Cralle graduated from Lowell Park High School and was a plumber.He enlisted in Baltimore, Maryland on 22 February 1943.
The airplane was attacked by enemy aircraft and exploded.
One crew member survived and was taken prisoner. Nine men were killed. They were initially buried at the community cemetery of Sulze the same day.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Raf Dyckmans, Terry Hirsch, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.fold3.com, www.ancestry.com, Firehouse Family Trees, 1930 Census, WWII Draft Card
Photo source: Peter Schouteten, Evening Star - 24 August 1944