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name
KLEIN, Valerian Emet - Date of
birth
26 April 1920 -
Age
24 - Place of
birth
Peru, Lasalle County, Illinois -
Hometown
LaSalle County, Illinois
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
O-819407 -
Rank
First Lieutenant -
Function
Pilot -
Unit
726th Bombardment Squadron,
451st Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Distinguished Flying Cross,
Purple Heart,
Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
22 August 1944 - Place of
death
1 Mile Southwest of Papau, Hungary
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| B | 10 | 15 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Henry A. Klein (father)
Clara M. Znaniecki) Klein (mother)
Howard J. Klein (brother)
Lorraine S. Klein (sister)
Gerald R. Klein (brother)
William Klein (brother)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-51300 -
Data
Type: B-24J
Nickname: Wet Dream
Destination: Vienna, Austria
Mission: Bombing
MACR: 8002
More information
On 22 August 1944, 2nd Lieutenant Valerian E. Klein was pilot of a B-24J type Aircraft, AAF serial number 42-51300, Wet Dream, on a bombing mission over the Lobau oil storage installations located at Vienna, Austria. At approximaterly 1005 hours at 47, 15N, 17, 18E in Hungary, enemy fighters attacked his formation and severly damaged his airplane. The airplane pulled off to the left of the formation and four distinct explosions were seen before the aircraft went down totally destroyed. Approximately 8 or 9 parachutes were seen. In view of the fact that there were nine men aboard the aircraft, there is reason to believe that several, if not all of the crew members landed in occupied territory. It is the opinion of the undersigned, based upon interrogation, that there is a possibility that all members of this crew are either POW of evaders.Statement from Albert L. Roemer, 1st Lt Air Corps, Intelligence Officer.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Terry Hirsch, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov, www.fold3.com, www.ancestry.com - 1930 census, WWII Draft Card
Photo source: Jac Engels