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name
RHODES, Edward B - Date of
birth
23 February 1923 -
Age
21 - Place of
birth
Isle of Wight County, Virginia -
Hometown
Isle of Wright County, Virginia
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
33541153 -
Rank
Sergeant -
Function
Ball Turret Gunner -
Unit
358th Bombardment Squadron,
303rd Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
28 September 1944 - Place of
death
Linden, south of Wolfenbüttel, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| D | 20 | 31 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Kenie B. Rhodes (father)
Bertha L. (Turner) Rhodes (mother)
Mary L. Rhodes (sister)
Plane data
- Serial
number
43-38186 -
Data
Type: B-17G
Destination: Magdeburg, Germany
Mission: Bombing of the city
MACR: 9407
More information
Sgt Edward B. Rhodes was a woodworker. He enlisted in Richmond, Virginia on 21 September 1943 and received his wings in June of 1944. He was sent overseas a month later.The formation was victim of intense and severe attacks from enemy fighters.
The airplane was hit and the left wing caught fire between #1 and #2 engines. The ball turret was demolished. It seemed to be at least partially out of control as it pulled off to the right and went down in a steep dive and exploded.
The entire crew of nine men was killed.
Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, Terry Hirsch, https://newspaperarchive.com, www.303rdbg.com, www.ancestry.com - Family Tree, www.fold3.com - WWII Draft Card
Photo source: Michel Beckers, Hans Wijnands / Jeanette Holland