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Submit- Full
name
ECKERSON, Gilbert Haight - Date of
birth
25 December 1924 -
Age
20 - Place of
birth
Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington -
Hometown
Pacific County, Washington
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
39201896 -
Rank
Sergeant -
Function
Top Turret Gunner -
Unit
324th Bombardment Squadron,
91st Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
17 April 1945 - Place of
death
Dresden, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| A | 37 | 35 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Gilbert H. Eckerson (father)
Queets A. (Kinsey) Eckerson (mother)
John D. Echerson (brother)
Plane data
- Serial
number
44-6568 -
Data
Type: B-17G
Nickname: Skunk Face III
Destination: Dresden, Germany
Mission: Bombing
MACR: 14111
More information
The aircraft B-17G, 44-6568, was the victim ofan attack by several ME-262 enemy fighters on the mission of 17 April 1945. The aircraft was hit immediately before bombs away. The right wing tip appeared to be hit badly and pieces of metal were seen to tear off of the wing. The ship
left formation under control and was observed to hold a straight course off of the target. It did not make a turn to return to our lines but instead held a heading approximately that of the bomb run. The aircraft was watched for several
minutes after it left formation and no fires were visible. The aircraft also seemed to be well under control, and, the chances for the crew to escaped seemed very good. No men were seen to leave the aircraft or parachutes open.
Statement from Theodore M. Banta, 1st Lt, A.C. 324th Bomb Sq, 91st Bomb Gp (H)
Source of information:Terry Hirsch, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.fold3.com MACR, www.8thafs.com, www.ancestry.com Family Tree / 1930 Census, WWII Draft Card
Photo source: Peter Schouteten