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VAN POPERING, Earle Allen - Date of
birth
3 December 1918 -
Age
26 - Place of
birth
Newark, Essex County, New Jersey -
Hometown
McPherson, McPherson County, Kansas
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
O-740984 -
Rank
First Lieutenant -
Function
Pilot -
Unit
544th Bombardment Squadron,
384th Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal
Death
-
Status
Died of Wounds - Date of
death
4 February 1945 - Place of
death
Hospital
Apeldoorn, the Netherlands
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| O | 13 | 14 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Cornelius D. Van Popering (father)
Anna E. (Moore) Van Popering (mother)
Doris I. Van Popering (sister)
Elsie Van Popering (sister)
Alden Van Popering (brother)
Lina C. Van Popering (wife)
Earle A. Jr. Van Popering (son)
Plane data
- Serial
number
43-38850 -
Data
Type: B-17G
Destination: Sterkrade, Germany
Mission: Bombing of the synthetic oil plant
MACR: 11994
More information
Earl Van Popering was a motor vehicle mechanic before he joined the National Guard in East Orange, New Jersey, on 16 September 1940. Before he was transferred to the Air Corps, he served with the Field Artillery.His grandparents from his father's side were born in Zeeland, the Netherlands. His grandparents from his mother's side were born in England.
The mission took place on 22 January 1945.
The airplane left the formation five miles after the target and was still tracked by anti-aircraft fire. It levelled off for a short time, but soon went into a nose-dive with all engines running and one wheel down. It crashed in Terwolde, the Netherlands.
Lt Van Popering was hit in the stomach, but was still able to bail out. He was transported to the hospital in Deventer, where he died on 4 February 1945.
One other crew member was killed in the crash, two men evaded capture, and five men were taken prisoner.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Raf Dyckmans, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - Family Tree
Photo source: Peter Schouteten, Hans Wijnands - Charles F. Cummings