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name
VAN WIE, John Andro - Date of
birth
25 June 1915 -
Age
28 - Place of
birth
Alden, Freeborn County, Minnesota -
Hometown
Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
O-727286 -
Rank
Captain -
Function
Pilot -
Unit
360th Bombardment Squadron,
303rd Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
25 July 1943 - Place of
death
Bad Oldesloe, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| C | 6 | 6 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Hyram H. Van Wie (father)
Violet C. (Minor) Van Wie (mother)
Beatrice I. Van Wie (sister)
Bernice A. Van Wie (sister)
Bernard H. Van Wie (brother)
Margaret J. (Shuman) Van Wie (wife)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-29606 -
Data
Type: B-17F
Nickname: Butch aka Toots
Destination: Hamburg, Germany
Mission: Bombing of the Blohm & Voss naval shipyards
MACR: 91
More information
Capt John A. Van Wie graduated from Wilson High School and the University of California. He was employed as a musician.He was sent overseas in March 1943 and was made flight commander in July 1943.
The airplane was lost to enemy fighters. It was on fire and burning from the bomb bay to the wing roots and #3 engine. It exploded and crashed.
Six crew members survived and were taken prisoner, four men were killed.
Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, 303rd Bomb Group, www.facesbeyondthegraves.com
Photo source: www.findagrave.com, 303rd Bomb Group, University of California, Los Angeles - 1941