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name
BLAIDA, John Michael - Date of
birth
29 July 1923 -
Age
20 - Place of
birth
Monroe, Monroe County, Michigan -
Hometown
Monroe County, Michigan
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
16176158 -
Rank
Staff Sergeant -
Function
Right Waist Gunner -
Unit
576th Bombardment Squadron,
392nd Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
29 May 1944 - Place of
death
Near a village named Gueltz and the railroad Demmin-Altentreptow, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| D | 7 | 49 |
Immediate family
-
Members
John Blaida (father)
Helen Blaida (mother)
Joseph Blaida (brother)
Elizebeth Blaida (sister)
Antoinette Blaida (sister)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-95136 -
Data
Type: B-24H
MACR: 05212
Destination: Politz
More information
Per Lt. Bassett: He stated that the plane had been attacked by enemy fighters and the nose section had been set afire; that he bailed out but saw no more parachutes coming down, although he was in a position to see them in case others had gotten out.A returning eye-witness reported: "ship turned over with two engines out, altitude 21,700", and no further details were related on this aircraft loss.
German Report KU#2086, Air Base Hqs at Greifewald, reported the plane had crashed near a village named Gueltz, and the railroad Demmin-Altentreptow, about 11.45 hours, 29 May. The crew had been shot down by a fighter. Nine crew members were found dead and identified at the site above. Local burial of the casualties was carried out at the village of Gueltz, (800) meters from the Gueltz Estate, as recorded: Blaida (Grave 8).
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Terry Hirsch, www.b24.net, WWII Draft Card
Photo source: Jac Engels, www.millercountymuseum.org,