Memorial

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Major Lew A. Weimer graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School in 1933. He enlisted in the Canadian Royal Air Force in September, 1940.

This aircraft was in the lead position of the lead Group of a Combat Wing. All aircraft were on the bomb run flying at 25,000 feet. Weather was clear with no undercast as the bomb run was begun. At altitude, clouds were encountered as the bomb run progressed. Clouds became solid, so the Group began descent so at to get under them. Just as the Group emerged from the upper clouds and leveled off, flying at 23,000 feet, the Group was attacked by a close formation of about 40-70 S/E enemy A/C which were practically directly on top of our formation. Two passes were made on the Group, both being head-on in close formation and well pressed. About 80 enemy A/C were in the formation making the second attack. This aircraft was last seen in the target area and dropped out of formation after the second enemy A/C attack. One chute was seen from this aircraft and it is believed that three others from this A/C were observed in the vicinity of where the A/C was last seen. No other information available.
Major Weimer didn't bail out, he died in the aircraft. He was hit by 4 or 5 20 mm bullets in the chest. Other crew members tried to get him out but he died before they could get him to an exit.
Major Weimer was recovered dead 2 1/2 miles North of Retzow and buried at the Cemetery Retzow, District Westhavelland on 21 April 1944.

Maj Lew A. Weimer was first buried at Temporary American Military Cemetery Ardennes, Belgium Block AA, Row 9, Grave 222.