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name
REESE, David Franklin - Date of
birth
2 July 1923 -
Age
20 -
Place of birth
Texarkana, Bowie County, Texas -
Hometown
Bowie County, Texas
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
38473055 -
Rank
Staff Sergeant -
Function
Radio Operator/Gunner -
Unit
827th Bombardment Squadron,
484th Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
11 June 1944 - Place of
death
Near Giurgiu, Romania
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| D | 4 | 52 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Addie J. Reese (father)
Nettie M. Reese (mother)
Emil F. Reese (brother)
Inez B. Reese (sister)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-78298 -
Data
Type: B-24G
Destination: Giurgiu, Romania
MACR: 5821
More information
S/Sgt David F. Reese attended Texas High School.Eyewitness statement:
I, Irving S. Gilbert, 36337378, Radio Operator Gunner on airplane 42-52757, piloted by 2nd Lt Lyman N. Fairbanks, flying to the left of ship 42-78298, piloted by 2nd Lt Edward A. Silven, on a bombardment mission over Giurgiu, Rumania, 11 June 1944, saw the number 3 engine of Lt Silven's airplane catch fire. The engine was feathered, and the fire appeared to go out. The airplane then went into a glide and passed under us. I then saw number 42-78298 being attacked by enemy fighters, and the right wing of Lt Silven's airplane dropped off. Four men jumped from the tail section of the ship, and three parachutes opened immediately, but I did not see the fourth man's parachute open. The airplane continued earthward out of control.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Terry Hirsch, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - 1940 Census www.fold3.com, WWII Draft Card
Photo source: Jac Engels, Texas High School 1942