Missing information?

Do you have any additional information you would like to share about a soldier?

Submit

Personal info

Full name
STIRWALT, Harry Allen
Date of birth
12 December 1919
Age
23
Place of birth
California
Hometown
Glendale, Los Angeles County, California

Military service

Service number
O-406059
Rank
Captain
Function
Pilot
Unit
334th Bombardment Squadron,
95th Bombardment Group, Heavy
Awards
Distinguished Flying Cross,
Silver Star,
Air Medal

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
13 June 1943
Place of death
Near Kiel, Germany

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
Plot Row Grave
B 36 16

Immediate family

Members
Ernest Stirwalt (father)
Nora E. (Bourne) Stirwalt (mother)
Geraldine L. (Sturman) Stirwalt (wife)
James Stirwalt (son)

Plane data

Serial number
42-30164
Data
Type: B-17F
Destination: Kiel, Germany
Mission: Bombing
MACR: 8960

More information

Capt Harry A. Stirwald graduated from Hoover High School and attended the University of Oregon.

He enlisted on 14 August 1940 at March Field, California.

Statement from David E Olsson, Capt Air Corps, Asst. Opn. Officer: "B-17F #42-30164, piloted by Capt Harry A Stirvalt, in which Brigadier General Nathan B Forrest was flying as combat wing commander, was seen hit before reaching the target. It was reported as continuing over the target with #4 engine smoking, dropping its bombs, and then was attacked from the nose by a formation of three fighters. The aircraft was seen to slow down, to have been hit by several explosive shells, and to go down banking sharply to the right. It was reported to be under control, and 8 chutes were seen to leave the ship.

Source of information: Luc van der Sterren, Astrid van Erp, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.fold3.com - MACR, www.ancestry.com - Family Trees, www.newspapers.com - The Los Angeles Times

Photo source: Jac Engels, www.ancestry.com - University of Oregon Yearbook 1940